Over the summer months, Duncan’s London Drugs collected many goods and cash donations from customers and staff to assist a number of local immigrant families.
The store recently presented some of the family members, who have just recently arrived in Canada, with products from a list they prepared of mostly household and child-related items they indicated they require.
The initiative is part of the 150th celebration of Canada’s birthday this year, and all the 80 London Drugs stores in Western Canada participated.
The Duncan store partnered with the Cowichan Intercultural Society in the program and the society helped provide the names of the families that were assisted.
“We are very grateful to our customers, and our partner the Cowichan Intercultural Society, for the success of this program,” said manager Allen Peabody.
Co-operators support renewable biofuel
The Co-operators Insurance and Financial Services is being honoured by the Cowichan Bio-Diesel Co-op for supporting the growth of its renewable biofuel model.
Thanks in part to grants from The Co-operators’ Co-operative Development Program totaling $44,000 since 2012, CB-DC hosted multiple open-house events, school tours and in-class presentations to educate the public on biodiesel use.
“Providing sustainable biodiesel as a clean fuel alternative has not been easy. We’ve had to create a new model, one that is every bit as convenient and accessible as existing gas stations, to make it easy for people to choose to drive sustainably,” said Brian Roberts, CB-DC president.
“The funding provided by the Co-operators played a significant role in helping us tell our story and increase biodiesel access to members in the Cowichan Valley.”
True Grain Bread expanding into Courtenay with bakery
Cowichan Bay’s True Grain Bread Ltd. has purchased the assets of Grains Bakery in Courtenay and plans to open another location there in October.
The family-owned True Grain Bread, which opened its doors in Cowichan Bay in 2004, is known for its partnerships with local farmers and producers in developing its business model.
“We are very excited to have the opportunity to build on the rich legacy of Grains Bakery by providing freshly baked bread and other baked goods in Courtenay and the surrounding area,” said Bruce Stewart, president of True Grain Bread.
Triple O’s giving portion of sales to KidSport BC
The Triple O’s restaurant chain, which has a location in Duncan, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with 20 Days of Giving in support of its long-time charity partner, KidSport BC.
From Sept. 10-29, Triple O’s will donate 20 cents from the sale of any item from their original menu to KidSport BC.
Triple O’s have helped 635 kids and raised more than $250,000 since the restaurant chain partnered with KidSport BC in 2009.
Every $400 raised provides one under-privileged child the opportunity to play sports for a full year, plus gain life skills like teamwork and self-confidence.
“What better way to give back than by supporting kids in the communities we serve,” said Triple O’s president Warren Erhart.
Lots on the agenda for Duncan/Cowichan Chamber
It’s a new fiscal year at the Duncan/Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and that means a new year of events and programs.
They include a special Chamber night at the Symphony on Sept. 16, a mixer at the Oak Neighbourhood Pub on Sept. 21 and a luncheon meeting at the Villa Eyrie restaurant on Sept. 28.
Click to the chamber’s link at recent Enews for highlights on what’s in the works for chamber members this fall.
“If at any time you would like to discuss the value of belonging to Cowichan’s most active business networking organization, please give us a call or send a quick email,” said the chamber’s executive director Sonja Nagel.
“We love hearing from you and we welcome your ideas as to how we can help your business grow.”
Robert.Barron @cowichanvalleycitizen.com