In my last column, I mentioned (JRG) , and the food and beverage company鈥檚 efforts to raise money for breast cancer research.

I鈥檓 wanting to return to that business again this week.

I wanted to confirm the rumours that JRG鈥檚 relatively new Oak & Thorne Public House in Walnut Grove is on the move.

Oak just opened back in 2015 into the current location at 202nd Street and 88th Avenue.

Well, their future home will be located just across the street, attached to the Sandman Hotel.

They鈥檙e taking over the Shark Club鈥檚 old home at 20169 88th Ave., which I鈥檓 told is a much bigger space (they鈥檒l go from 190 to 350 seats) including two patios, plus a later liquor licence (meaning they can host late night events).

And in the current Oak & Thorne location, JRG will be setting up a brand new restaurant.

Introducing The Italian, a new Sicilian-theme restaurant, expected to open later this year, according to CEO Ryan Moreno.

鈥淎t The Italian, the flavours of Italy will be the star attraction,鈥� Moreno said, noting that the culinary team will be lead by JRG鈥檚 director of culinary operations Matthew Stowe (Top Chef Canada winner), JRG鈥檚 corporate chef David Jorge (MasterChef Canada winner), JRG executive chef Andy Slinn, and opening chef Jason Harper.

鈥淔ood does so much more than nourish us,鈥� Moreno said. 鈥淚t brings family and friends together, sometimes for hours, to share great dishes and conversations over a multi-course meal. In Italy especially, sharing food and drink and bonding with extended family is a centuries-old tradition. That is what we鈥檙e all about at our establishments, too.鈥�

Now with the outcry for workers being heard from throughout the hospitality industry of late, it shouldn鈥檛 shock any of us that JRG took the chance 鈥� when introducing The Italian 鈥� to also issue a call for people to staff their newest restaurant.

Anyone interested in working at The Italian is encouraged to contact theitalian@jrg.ca directly.

鈥淚talian food is one of the most comforting and universally loved cuisines in the world,鈥� said Stowe. 鈥淲e look forward to bringing this delicious new menu and concept to the Fraser Valley.鈥�

As for when the Oak & Thorne will be relocated and The Italian opens, I鈥檒l let you know, as soon as I know.

Now, keeping on the topic of JRG, let me tell you about another one of their community outreach efforts.

After raising more than $35,000 for Covenant House Vancouver鈥檚 Sleep Out event last year, JRG is increasing its commitment to Lower Mainland at-risk youth by aiming to raise $50,000 this year with its own company-wide Sleep Out event to be held on Monday, Nov. 13 at three of its locations 鈥� icluding one in 91原创.

Last year, JRG aimed to raise $13,500 for Covenant House and wound up nearly tripling that amount by bringing in $35,576.

This year, it hopes to bring in $50,000. In addition to having the entire company participate, JRG will also encourage donations by providing donors with a $25 gift card for every $50 they donate. Additionally, for any donation of $1,000 or more, JRG will offer dinner for up to six guests, hosted by JRG director of culinary operations chef Matthew Stowe (Top Chef Canada winner) or JRG corporate chef David Jorge (MasterChef Canada winner).

With approximately 950 people employed at 20 JRG public houses, restaurants, and liquor retail outlets in B.C. and Alberta, more than 100 employees are expected to spend a night sleeping on the street at one of three JRG locations (Townhall Maple Ridge, Oak & Thorne in 91原创, and S+L Kitchen & Bar South Surrey).

Three days later (Nov. 16), JRG co-founders Ryan Moreno and Andre Bourque will be joined by Chef Stowe to also take part in the downtown Vancouver Sleep Out 鈥� executive edition at Vancouver Covenant House.

For Moreno, community philanthropy is an important part of JRG鈥檚 corporate philosophy as well as its success.

鈥淲e are all fortunate to have a roof over our head and a bed to sleep in,鈥� Moreno said.

鈥淟ast year, Matt and I spent a cold night on the street and got a glimpse into what a night is like for those who are less privileged. We also learned a great deal about the important work Covenant House does and how they support at-risk youth from around the Lower Mainland.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a cause that struck a chord with our guests, as well as our employees, whose ages are largely the same as the young adults Covenant House helps. I was so moved by the experience and felt that there had to be more that we could do. This year, we felt that, together, we could make a larger impact and encourage our guests and everyone in the Lower Mainland to get behind us and support Covenant House. We plan to make this an annual event and our hope is to also inspire other businesses, organizations and people within our communities to get involved.鈥�

Each year Covenant House Vancouver provides shelter, food, clothing and counselling to 1,400 young people through its daily drop-in, street outreach, and residential programs. Because Covenant House is 94 per cent privately funded, its Sleep Out events play a critical role in supporting its youth crisis program, which provides 35 beds for males and 24 beds for females.

鈥淥ur work, and the support of companies like the Joseph Richard Group make a tremendous difference in the lives of street youth in BC,鈥� said Krista Thompson, Executive Director, Covenant House Vancouver. 鈥淚 want to thank everyone at JRG. We admire their commitment and creativity, and encourage their friends, families and patrons to support this worthwhile cause.鈥�

鈥� Stay tuned to the 91原创 Advance for more details about the Nov. 13 event at the Oak & Thorne here in 91原创.

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BUILDERS LAUDED

Two 91原创 construction related companies were in the limelight at the recent 鈥檚 Awards of Excellence evening.

91原创鈥檚 Lonnie Chaisson, of Hy-Line Sales, received the association鈥檚 marketing award, while 91原创鈥檚 own Jeff Bontkes of Benchmark Homes was given the association鈥檚 community service member of the year award.

鈥淭he Awards of Excellence honour association members for their exceptional level of volunteer commitment and dedication to the enhancement of the professionalism of the homebuilding industry in Metro Vancouver,鈥� said GVHBA chief executive officer Bob de Wit.

鈥淭he 2017 winners reflect the overall success of our member-driven association,鈥� he noted.

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WALKING WITH PURPOSE

Money is still coming in, but already the accounting team at 91原创鈥檚 Grant Thornton LLP has raised about $3,000 for children鈥檚 charities.

Specifically, the dollars raised by the local office before the end of October will go to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada, explained Rebecca Poelman, a senior accountant with the Willoughby firm.

It鈥檚 part of the Grant Thornton Foundation鈥檚 third annual Making Steps Count Walk 鈥揳n initiative supporting positive change in communities across Canada.

The local campaign featured a local walk on Oct. 4.

The 91原创 staff joined about 500 other colleagues, in the 60-plus offices across Canada, for a group walk around the community.

鈥淭he 44-person 91原创 office had 20-plus participants who walked,鈥� Poelman explained, noting that money is still being collected until Oct. 31.

But so far, the national campaign has raised about $72,000, while the local office expects to top $3,000 of that.

Making Steps Count has raised over $213,000 for children鈥檚 community programs in Canada, said Grant Thornton鈥檚 executive partner Kevin Ladner.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great experience to give back to the community and feel the passion our Grant Thornton people have during this walk,鈥� he said.

鈥淲e hope this year鈥檚 walk reminds us all that we need to support and motivate those around us to create a brighter future for children across Canada.鈥�

Making Steps Count raises funds for mentor relationships through Bigs, food for schools supported by the Breakfast Clubs, and post-secondary scholarships through the Boys and Girls Clubs.

鈥淕iving back is in our DNA 鈥� we call it Living our Purple. Whether it鈥檚 through fundraising, donating or volunteering, The Grant Thornton Foundation believes in creating a sustainable advantage for the communities in which we work and live,鈥� said, Krista Han, s partner at Grant Thornton and chair of the Grant Thornton Foundation.

Established in 2011, the foundation was designed to help Grant Thornton professionals focus their collective philanthropic efforts 鈥� whether in the form of fundraising, volunteering or donating professional expertise 鈥� to make the greatest impact possible in their communities across the country.