It seems like I鈥檓 always focused on food, but in fairness, 91原创 has a plethora of eating establishments, and many of them do some great community work that鈥檚 worthy of note.
Such is the case today (Thursday, Aug. 9) when the staff at all the Dairy Queen stores around town help make miracles happen.
For the 16th year running, DQ is hosting their Miracle Treat Day. Locally, that means they鈥檙e raising money for BC Children鈥檚 Hospital.
In this case, proceeds from every Blizzard treat sold goes to the hospital, to help care for sick and injured kids.
Since this effort began in 1984, DQ has raised more than $135 million to help children across North America. That鈥檚 pretty impressive.
Dare I twist your arm, and encourage you to help out this worthy cause?
All five DQ locations in 91原创, that means the one in Aldergrove, one 91原创 City, one in Walnut Grove, one in Willowbrook, and the newest one in Willoughby Town Centre, will be participating.
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Ahoy mateys, it鈥檚 that time again
I notice a sign in front of the Willowbrook White Spot the other day saying their team is gearing up for Pirate Pak Day.
Adult Pirate Paks will be sold next Wednesday, Aug. 15, with money going to send kids and young adults with life-threatening illnesses and chronic disabilities to camp.
鈥淧irate Pak Day is a big fundraising event for us, one that both our guests and staff look forward to every year,鈥� said White Spot president Warren Erhart.
鈥淢oney raised on this special day helps young mateys facing difficult challenges, and wouldn鈥檛 be possible without the participation of our valued guests. Everyone embraces the spirit of the day, with both staff and guests alike donning their swashbuckling best for the occasion.鈥�
Through the years, this program has raised $660,000 for Zajac Ranch and sent mor than 400 to camp. White Spot week at Zajac Ranch runs from Aug. 20 to 23 and includes activities ranging from kayaking, and climbing to swimming and horseback riding.
The 91原创 store has typically surpassing every one of the other 60-plus restaurant in B.C. and Alberta in the numbers of Pirate Paks sold. Their goal, according to the sign, is to sell at least 2,500 this time out.
鈥淥ur long-standing partnership with White Spot provides a direct benefit to kids with medical needs,鈥� said Mel Zajac, founder of Zajac Ranch for Children.
鈥淓ach year, we are grateful for White Spot鈥檚 Pirate Pak Day fundraiser, which helps provide life-changing summer camp experiences for children in B.C. and across Canada. I encourage everyone to enjoy a Pirate Pak on Aug. 15, so that as many deserving kids as possible can experience summer camp.鈥�
They ask that you keep that in mind next week, and consider visiting one of the three local restaurants 鈥� one鈥檚 next to Willowbrook, one across from Colossus in Walnut Grove, and one in Aldergrove.
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Hankering for a burger and a way to help MS
And this time next week, it鈥檚 time to buy a burger at A&W to help raise money and awareness about multiple sclerosis.
The Dub is gearing up for its annual charity fundraiser.
Like most of the fast food chains, A&W restaurants hold an event once a year where they donate a portion of their sales to a charity of choice.
In the case of A&W, they鈥檝e been partnering with MS Society of Canada for a decade now to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis.
The Burgers to Beat MS event happens next Thursday, Aug. 16 (not today).
There鈥檚 a few ways to help. Customers can round up their bill at the till, they can purchase a $2 limited edition sticker, drop some cash in a donation mug, or order a teen burger and know that $2 from that purchase price will go to beating MS.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. On average, 11 Canadians are diagnosed with MS every day and women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed.
So, when thinking about what you鈥檙e going to eat for lunch or dinner next Thursday, weigh the benefit of stopping at A&W. Remember, if you want to eat healthier, you can always order that teen burger in a lettuce wrap instead of having the bun. Just saying鈥�
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Entrepreneurship rewarded
Speaking of food, hats off to Ryan Moreno. Many of you might know him as the face for the Joseph Richard Group.
This food, beverage, and entertainment company has significant holdings in 91原创, so regulars at the local eateries might know or at least recognize Moreno.
Well, he鈥檚 being recognized as a trailblazer, making it as a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
This is described as one of the most prestigious business awards for entrepreneurs in 60 countries around the globe, and Moreno is in the running for his contributions to the hospitality industry in the Pacific region.
He is the co-founder and CEO of the company that operates restaurants, pubs, liquors stores, a hotel, and commercial real estate development company 鈥� many of those assets right here in 91原创.
Of course, Moreno had to share the accolades.
鈥淲hile it鈥檚 an honour to be selected as a finalist for such a prestigious award, for me, this achievement is really a reflection of our entire JRG organization鈥� he said.
鈥淥ur commitment to excellence, innovation, sustainability and corporate responsibility, and the results we鈥檝e achieved are team accomplishments that are only possible thanks to the individual commitment of each of our employees.鈥�
The award winners will be announced in late September in Vancouver.
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Tasty tasting event
One last thing, on the subject of food.
It was a big crowd of folks who turned up for the Well Seasoned鈥檚 Hot August Nights open house and tasting event this week.
On Tuesday, for only two hours, more than a dozen vendors set up in the parking lot in front of the gourmet food store, and handed out samples.
This event sure seems to be taking off, as more people are taking up cooking as a hobby and seeking out new and different foods as more than just necessary sustenance but as part of a pleasure seeking experience.
(SEE PICTURES BELOW)
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Lockers at the bank?
Also, stay tuned. I鈥檓 going to try to dig up more information on new Amazon lockers being set up in 91原创.
Rather than having your packages left on your doorstep when you鈥檙e not home, and potentially stolen, Amazon.ca is looking at some innovative partnerships that might work.
I鈥檓 still trying to confirm this, but apparently they鈥檝e partnered with TD Canada Trust to have packages delivered to lockers at the Willowbrook branch.
Now, it鈥檚 not like they鈥檙e going to hang on to it indefinitely. You鈥檝e got three days to pick up.
