Duncan’s Uncle Albert’s Home Furnishings on Second Street is closing this summer after 51 years serving the furniture needs of the Cowichan Valley.
Owner Jill Ayearst, who has worked at the store for 38 years and owned it for 11, said she plans to retire to spend more time with her grandson and volunteer more in the community.
“I’m really looking forward to doing something different,” she said.
Ayearst, whose father John began Uncle Albert’s at its current location when it first opened, said everything in the large furniture store is priced down as part of her retirement sale, and she plans to close the business when all her inventory is finally sold off.
She said many in the community have been dropping by to wish her well since she announced her impending retirement, with many saying they had bought every piece of furniture in their homes from Uncle Albert’s over the years.
“Uncle Albert’s wishes to express sincere gratitude for the support from the Cowichan Valley over the past 51 years,” Ayearst said.
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The London Drugs location in Duncan, as well as all locations in Western Canada, was the victim of a cybersecurity incident that saw the stores close on April 28 and remained closed as of May 1.
London Drugs’ Facebook page said that upon discovering the incident, London Drugs immediately undertook countermeasures to protect its network and data, including retaining cubersecurity experts to assist with containment, remediation and to conduct a forensic investigation.
“At this time, we have no reason to believe that customer or employee data has been impacted,” the company said.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and we want to assure you that this incident is the utmost priority for us at London Drugs.”
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Thanks to the success of this year’s Dine & Sip Cowichan Festival, $5,000 has been donated to the Cowichan Valley Basket Society through Island Savings’ Full Cupboard program.
More than 40 local eateries participated this year in the eighth annual Dine & Sip Cowichan.
The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored Dine & Sip Cowichan, said it is overjoyed to share the successes of this year’s culinary celebration.
“With a warm heart, we thank each participant, venue, and diner who came together to support our local food banks and indulge in the rich tapestry of tastes our valley has to offer,” the chamber said.
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Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie Week will take place from April 29 to May 5.
The iconic chocolate chunk cookies topped with pink and blue icing drawing out a smile will be available at every participating Tim Hortons restaurant across the country, and 100 per cent of proceeds from these special cookies will be donated to local charities in the communities in which the restaurants operate.
This year, the funds raised at the Mill Bay location will support the Cowichan Valley District Hospital Foundation, and the remaining Tim Hortons locations in the Cowichan Valley will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley, Clements Centre for Families and Nourish Cowichan.
The seven Tim Hortons in the Cowichan Valley raised $26,000 in 2023.
Each cookie will be $1.50 plus applicable tax, available at all participating stores in the Cowichan Valley.
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McDonald’s franchises in the Cowichan Valley, and across Canada, will also be holding their annual McHappy Day fundraiser on May 8.
This year is the 30th anniversary of McHappy Day in which a portion of proceeds from every menu item sold all day supports Ronald McDonald Houses and other local children’s charities.
In Canada, two out of three families live outside a city with a specialty children’s hospital and must travel for medical treatment if their child becomes seriously ill.
Ronald McDonald House Charities provides a place for families to stay together, steps away from a children’s hospital.
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Join members of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce on May 8 at the Best Western Cowichan Valley Inn for the chamber’s Speaker Series Luncheon, celebrating Mental Health Week with the theme “A Call to be Kind.”
Together with the CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch, the chamber explores how compassion plays a crucial role in mental health.
Expect an afternoon of enriching conversations, heartfelt stories, and expert insights into the transformative power of kindness.
“Our event [which begins at noon] features a keynote presentation, an engaging Q&A session, and plenty of opportunities to network with community leaders and fellow mental health advocates,” the chamber said.
“Tickets are $35 each for members (and $45 for non-members). Spaces are limited, and we’re expecting a full house, so make sure to register early. We look forward to seeing you there and building a more compassionate community together.”
Register online, call 250-748-1111 or email chamber@duncancc.bc.ca.