Jun 14, 2013 - marketing manager Chandra. Morice. ..... and affordable choices, and the second generation of the ..... f
special double issue
Be Local Friday, June 14, 2013
Paying it forward
10% Rule
Saving the Earth and supporting local businesses
PREMIERE ISSUE
Be Canadian
on flip side
BUSINESS PROFILE
COMMUNITY NATURAL FOODS
BE LOCAL
Growing the spirit of giving, supporting the planet Community Natural Foods, purveyor of organic and sustainable foods and products, has been serving Calgary for more than 30 years and has been serving the community for just as long. As it has grown it has increased its level of giving as well, working to support the community, people, and the planet. “It’s a conscious choice we make to give back to the community, to be a good
neighbour, a good citizen, to treat our planet with respect, to support the base values of our industry,” says marketing manager Chandra Morice. Community Natural Foods sponsors annual fundraisers for the Calgary Humane Society and donates produce clippings to RASTA rescue to help feed stray, abandoned and abused animals. The store helps foster a healthy community.
Last year, it donated about $24,000 to 36 organizations through its Change for The Earth campaign, where it matched 100 per cent of the $12,000 customers donated through the five-cent bag credit donation program. It also donated close-to-date fresh and prepackaged grocery items to The Mustard Seed to help feed Calgarians. Community Natural Foods supports people in many ways, too, from gift
cards at Arusha Centre for lower-income Calgarians to providing raw ingredients for the Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation’s Cookies on the Go program to sponsoring local triathlete Jordan Bryden. “We also donate to organizations that our staff is passionate about,” she says, contributing $3,000 to 21 local and national organizations and charities on their behalf last year. Through various event sponsorships and donations, Community Natural Foods promotes healthy living and respect for the earth we all
The Calgary Humane Society receives a donation cheque from the Community Natural Foods Change For The Earth program.
share. Over the past three years, it has given more than $1 million in sponsorships, product, and donations. “We are a for-profit business but we try to take a
philanthropic approach to how we do business, and the decisions we make to give back to the community, its people and the planet,” says Morice.
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Back Cover ��������� �������� ������� ��� ������� ������� ���������� ��� ��������� ����� �����
Shop Locally. As a locally owned and operated business, Community Natural Foods ���������� ��� ���������� �� ��������� ������������� ���������� through the products we carry in our markets. Did You Know? � ����� ����� � �������� �� �� ����� ��� ������� ����� ��� ����������� � ������������� ������ ��� ��������� ���������� �� ��� ��������� in the community in which it does business. This is demonstrated ������� ��������� ��������� ����� �������� ��� ������� �� ������� the community, and the planet. � ����� ����� �� �������� �� ����� ��������� ��� ������ ���� �������� ����� ���������� ���������� ��� ���� �� ����� ������� ��� �������� �� ��� ����� �������� ��� ����� ���� ������ � ����� �������� ������������ ��� ������ ��� �� ��� ��������� ���������� �� ���� ���� ������� ��� ���� ���� ����� ������ ��� ����� ��� ����� purchasing decision you make because small changes in shopping habits really can create BIG impact in our community.
june 14, 2013
Our Customer Care 403.930.6363
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www.communitynaturalfoods.com
Friday, June 14, 2013 PREMIERE ISSUE A publication of the Calgary Herald Special Projects Department in partnership with REAP Calgary EDITOR/ DESIGNER: Karen Petkau, 403-235-7513 kpetkau@ calgaryherald.com
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nside this issue The 10% shift
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All it takes is a 10% shift to local businesses to make a difference.
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Getting to know your digs
Neighbourhoods have hidden treasures, from food to clothes.
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Supporting local producers
Local producers offer fresh and local products.
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Profile: Beans brew art
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User guide to markets
Local coffee shop brews support for artistic community.
New to the market scene? Find out how to navigate.
ADVERTISING: Margo Moore, 403-235-7382 mmoore@ calgaryherald.com
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What’s in a label?
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Profile: NeighbourLink
Localize Project helps consumers determine which products are local.
Community association helps needy families get back on their feet.
CONTRIBUTORS: Wil Andruschak Adrienne Beattie Barbara Balfour Rennay Craats Meghan Jessiman Angus Macdonell Jessica Patterson Paula Trotter Gavin Young Alex FrazerHarrison
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Paying it forward
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Profile: Calgary’s Walk-in Closet
Locally owned businesses have a history of contributing.
Initiative gives women chance to dress the part for interviews, jobs.
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Supporting Calgary businesses
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Profile: Between Generations
How small changes can have a great economic impact.
Mentoring program gives grandparent chance to help children interact.
COVER: Lilian Jourieh and three-year-old daughter Ayla shop at the Calgary Farmers’ Market.
BE LOCAL
Be Local
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Photographer: Gavin Young
by adrienne beattie
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t’s the reason Calgarians cringed when Spanish “starchitect” Santiago Caltrava was selected to design the Peace Bridge (likewise when a Spanish firm was chosen to build it). It’s why Inglewood residents balked when Tim Hortons wanted to set up shop in their neighbourhood. Many people inherently prefer to support local, and a growing body of evidence confirms buying local makes sense. “Think global, act local” asks us to take action in our communities with the health of the planet in mind. A New Zealand Honeycrisp apple may have a similar price tag as the same apple
grown in B.C. but that’s because hidden costs (economists call these external effects) such as climate change impacts from greenhouse gases emitted during transportation are not reflected in the price. Essentially, it’s a market failure. Buying local products reduces external effects. Meanwhile, buying locally increases economic strength and resiliency. An American research firm, Civic Economics, found when consumers choose a locally owned business $73 of every $100 spent stays in the community compared to $43 that stays in the community for every $100 spent at a non-locally owned business. Locally owned businesses tend to support other local businesses, create higher value jobs and support the tax base. Because local business owners live in the
communities where they work, they have more of a vested interested in seeing their communities prosper. The Calgary Co-op, a local grocery store with 24 locations across the city, donated more than $4 million (of $1.164 billion revenue) to mostly local recipients in 2012. Walmart’s Canadian operations, in comparison, with more than 300 locations across the country donated a relatively small $10.3 million (of an estimated $20-billion revenue) in 2011. Locally owned businesses and products increase economic diversity and help shape a community’s character. Think of sipping mate from a traditional calabash gourd in Argentina, zashiki-style seating at a restaurant in Japan or enjoying a brew in a one-room German pub. A Starbucks, McDonald’s or Hard Rock Café couldn’t duplicate those experiences.
Restaurant and retail chains reduce variety, arguably hindering cultural expression and tourist appeal. The New Economics Foundation, an independent “think-and-do tank” based in London, England, labels areas devoid of neighbourhood shops and services as “ghost towns” and areas where Main Street looks like every other Main Street are called “clone towns.” It’s not a pretty picture. A marketplace of unique small businesses ensures competition, job creation, diversity, independence, innovation and long-term community viability – compelling reasons to buy local.
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Adrienne Beattie is a Calgary writer who has covered urban environmental issues for more than 10 years.
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June 14, 2013
Local businesses contribute, give unique service
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The 10% shift factor
BE LOCAL
by angus macdonell
Proudly suppor ting Canadian Growers
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Northern Lights Orchard Naramata, B.C.
Country Fresh Farms Medicine Hat, Alberta
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ne great reason to shop at locally owned and operated merchants is the positive economic benefit it creates for the city and its residents. All it takes is a 10 per cent shift in your spending habits — or one shopping trip in 10 to a local retailer — to help boost the city’s ongoing prosperity and vitality. How big is the impact? A 10 per cent shift in a person’s spending “can generate thousands of additional jobs in Calgary, tens of millions of dollars in new wages and hundreds of millions of dollars in incremental economic activity — each year,” according to REAP Calgary, a green business association representing more than 100 locally owned and operated companies, including Community Natural Foods, Enmax, First Calgary Financial, and Swizzlesticks Salon Spa. Research has shown that the reverse is also true; a shift in spending away from
local business has an equal, but opposite, impact. In British Columbia, CUPE-BC president Barry O’Neil initiated that province’s Ten Percent Shift initiative after seeing mills closing as companies moved work out of the country, factories closing for cheaper production elsewhere, stores boarded up and people having to leave home for work. To date, BC’s Ten Percent Shift has spoken to Chambers of Commerce, City Councils, Rotary Clubs, Business Improvement Associations and Community Organizations, taking its message to a growing audience throughout the province and spawning likewise movements across Canada. Using $100 as a base to represent a the 10 per cent shift, the agency notes that right now, if consumers spent that $100 at a non-locally owned business, $57 automatically goes to corporate offices around the world rather than stay within a community. Shifting the spending of that $100 to a local business would mean $68 stays within the community. Continued on 21
BUSINESS PROFILE
calgary co-op Providing life’s essentials
june 14, 2013
Paradise Hill Farm Nanton, Alberta
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Since its humble beginnings as a downtown grocery store in 1956, Calgary Co-op has grown into a business that includes grocery, petroleum, wine, spirits and beer, travel and home-health care, with more than 440,000 members. When it is the community that has made it as successful as it is today, giving back to it comes naturally, says Co-op’s events marketing manager Sarah Boutron. “We have always supported the communities in which we live and work,” says Boutron. “We contribute to causes that provide life’s essentials to people in need and organizations that help support them.” In 2012 alone, Calgary Co-op gave more than $4 million to community,
Calgary Co-op presented a cheque for $20,463.71 to the Kerby Centre last year.
not-for-profit and charity organizations, including the Mustard Seed, the Kerby Centre, Meals on Wheels, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids and the EMS Foundation. It also holds events throughout the year, including Stuff-a-Bus every November, where city transit buses at all locations are stuffed with items for the food bank.
A charity golf tournament held each June raised more than $329,000 for charity last year, while a sponsored seniors’ day event at Heritage Park always sells out. Watch for future events as the launch of the Co-op Community Foundation last February will enable them to become even more active in the community.
first calgary financial Financial co-operative invests in communities First Calgary Financial is a little different than other financial institutions — actually, it’s a lot different. The financial co-operative offers full banking services, including daily banking, online and mobile apps, mortgages, investing and business banking. But, it also serves 70,000 members, including 500 employees who live and work in the greater Calgary area. First Calgary Financial
doesn’t exist to feed profits to public stock holders. Instead, it exists for its members’ financial health and the vitality of its communities. Being locally owned means it has the unique opportunity to be closely involved in a range of projects that strengthen its communities. To get an idea of how it plays a role, one needs only to look at a few of First Calgary Financial’s favourite partnerships.
Together with The Calgary Foundation, First Calgary Financial co-created Stepping Stones — a grassroots grant program to help Calgarians bring their small project ideas to life, from neighbourhood knitting circles and bike swaps to community info sessions on how to vote. Through a partnership with Green Calgary, First Calgary Financial hosts rain barrel and composter sales in its branch parking lots
in the spring and summer. Through this initiative, it helped sell more than 800 rain barrels and 143 composters last year. As proud members and supporters of REAP (Respect for the Earth and All People) Business Association, First Calgary Financial celebrates and promotes Calgary businesses that are sustainably operated and locally owned. The financial co-operative loves to play a role in greening the city’s festivals and streets — whether it is reducing waste at the Calgary Folk Music Festival,
The First Calgary Financial Celebration Team
promoting cycling at Sled Island or helping Calgarians re-imagine our public spaces with Open Streets Calgary. This is just a small
sampling of First Calgary Financial’s involvement. To learn more, visit one of First Calgary Financial’s 16 branches or firstcalgary.com.
BE LOCAL
BUSINESS PROFILE
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Big Bank savings, Big Bank mortgages, Big Bank investing, no Big Bank. With sophisticated investment advice, highly competitive mortgages, free chequing accounts, and a range of other products, you can now satisfy all your financial needs at a place whose head office is close
June 14, 2013
to home. Give us a call at 403-520-8133 or visit firstcalgary.com
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by angus macdonell
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Wicker Land Patio
Calgary’s Largest Patio Furniture Selection
here can be no better way to see the city than by walking its extensive sidewalks and paths. There are more than 700 kilometres of recreational pathways offering virtually unlimited opportunities to explore the city’s 10,000 hectares of parkland, while strolling city sidewalks reveal the diversity and charm of Calgary’s neighbourhoods. One initiative that gives a grassroots feel for the city through the eyes of its residents is Jane’s Walk. Jane’s Walks are about “knitting together our connections to this place. Calgary is a city many of us have moved to, so this is about setting down deeper roots,” says Calgary
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co-ordinator Julie Black, adding it helps residents see more of their city, as well as help build a stronger sense of community. Jane’s Walks were created in 2007 in memory of Jane Jacobs, a pioneering urban observer and activist who chronicled numerous popular books about ways to make cities more viable, livable communities. The walk’s purpose is to get people out exploring their neighbourhoods and meeting their neighbours. To that end, local residents organize the walks during the first weekend of May each year. Jane’s Walks can be taken to parks, neighbourhood gardens, market areas, historical sites or any Calgary location that someone is willing to share their experience and knowledge about. Swizzlesticks, a locally-
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Neighbourhood walks knit community ties
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When spending $100 at a non-locally owned business, $57 goes to corporate offices around the world. When spending that $100 locally, $68 of it stays within your community. — tenpercentshift.ca
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owned and operated salon, sponsored a consumerfocused Jane’s Walk last year in the Kensington area. Tim Neis of Swizzlesticks acted as guide, leading a group to visit popular area vendors. “All of them had to be local, independent businesses, with a single location, and they had to have a sustainability policy in place,” he says. Such a policy reveals a company is working to practise social and environmental responsibility, an attractive option for many consumers. “Our walk started at Swizzlesticks, where we talked about our environmental initiatives, as well as what we give back to the community, and then we went to Higher Ground, where the merchant talked about what he does, how long the business has been around, and its community involvement,” explains Neis. “All the other various business owners met us at their stores, too, to give their talk on what they’re about. It was very cool.“ For more information or to organize a Jane’s Walk, visit janeswalk.net. Annual Jane’s Walks are held in 75 cities worldwide, and is constantly growing. “It’s about people wanting to be active citizens, and making the city a better place to live,” says Black. Audree Iffrig led a tour of Inglewood on one of 44 Jane’s Walks around Calgary this past May. — Gavin Young photo
Willow Park Wines & Spirits Seniors top fundraising efforts by family business From an orphanage in Haiti and water wells in Africa, to donations of wine baskets and affordable housing for seniors – Willow Park Wines & Spirits contributes half a million dollars to charity every year. More than 300 charities benefit from the philanthropic efforts made by this family-owned business, which also happens to be the largest private liquor retailer in Canada. But its
No. 1 cause — one it always felt was being ignored — is support for seniors in the community. “Seniors are at risk with inflation and high cost of housing, and we wanted to bring focus to this area of concern while supporting a charity that was not as popular,” says Peggy Perry, vice-president of purchasing and marketing. “We do feel strongly that seniors are not given the
recognition they deserve.” Their efforts came to fruition in 2010 with the opening of Willow Park on the Bow, a 150-unit home for low-income seniors for which they helped fundraise. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. “Once you start the train, it’s hard to slow it down,” says Perry. “We might be at a charity event because we’ve given away $20,000 of wine, and before you know it,
we’re giving to some other charity. It all started because we are in a hospitable industry, where you receive many wonderful product gifts, so we decided we can turn this around and share it.” Staff are proud of what Willow Park does in the community; every year they donate their time to host the company’s signature event, the annual Charity Wine Auction, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. “More than 1,000 people come. We serve only the world’s best wines, great restaurants from all over Calgary and Banff come to
Willow Park Wines & Spirits staff.
serve food, and amazing musicians perform in-house,” says Perry. “The idea is to show our charitable and giv-
ing audience the best night of their lives. “We raise about $250,000 from this night alone.”
WILLOW PARK WINES & SPIRITS
20
th CHARITY WINE
BE LOCAL
BUSINESS PROFILE
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AUCTION
SATURDAY
NOV. 9 7:00 PM
Best dressed in ‘Viva Las Vegas’ attire wins
$10,000 For charity of choice
June 14, 2013
in support of the
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By shifting 10% of your spending to local, independent businesses rather than chain stores keeps the local economy vibrant and sustainable. — tenpercentshift.ca
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Producing results by adrienne beattie
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display at her small market in December, but Nowlin says her customers aren’t demanding this kind of product much anymore. “The 100-Mile Diet was pivotal in getting people to think about local and seasonal eating,” she says. The 2007 best-selling memoir written by the Vancouverites Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon, documented the couple’s
al Howell, owner of treat our animals differently The River Café, anhere.” ticipates this time of Loree encourages people year. For eight short weeks, to get to know her ranch Edgar Farms of Innisfail and its cattle. delivers asparagus to her “It’s incredibly valuable restaurant — farm to plate to know where your food in one or two days. It’s the comes from,” she says. only time asparagus makes “Our cattle are clean and the menu. healthy, and we use a small “It tastes fabulous,” butcher who Howell says. She champions You need to support local only works on one animal at a local, seasonal, farmers or they will not time.” naturally raised Loree worries food from small continue to exist. that while many producers. people imagine farming yearlong experience only When she took over an as family-run with rolling eating food grown within aging park concession on green fields and a red barn, 100 miles of their home. Calgary’s Prince’s Island the reality is big agriculture It received critical acin the summer of 1991, claim and furthered discus- is taking over a growing she had a vision to create percentage of food producsion about food produca restaurant inspired by tion. tion. its surroundings and serve “If you value the producIt was concerns about what swims in the rivers, tion of local food, then food production that led grazes on the plains and you need to support local Linda Loree to transform grows in the fields. farmers or they will not her family-run historic Across the river, Patty continue to exist,” adds ranch, located in the Nowlin, owner of SunTony Marshall of HighPorcupine Hills west of nyside Natural Market, wood Crossing, a certified Nanton, into a small grassalso says: “supporting organic grain farmer. finished beef operation. direct family farms is of the Exist Marshall’s family She’s no longer a vegetarian utmost importance.” farm has — for 120 years. because of the change. She, too, stocks food It’s an ever-evolving busi“It used to tear me up to in season. You won’t find ness. see calves sent off to auccherries in the produce In 1989, he switched to tion and hear the organic farming methods cattle crying and in 1996, after a trip for them,”” to Germany where he saw Loree says. a company making cold “We keep our presses, he created a new calves for an value-added product line extra year. — cold pressing canola and They’re flax oils — for direct sale sentient to restaurants and stores. social be“We’re very pleased. Our ings. We
client base grows every year, as does our product line,” says Marshall. Fresh, local and organic is the Marshall family’s niche. “Chefs can call in their orders on Monday and we’ll press quantities based on what they need,” he says. “What’s in seed on Monday is delivered to
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their door by Friday. It’s a fresh, wholesome product.” Today’s customers are demanding such attention to freshness and quality, says Nicole Schon, owner of Bite Groceteria & Café in Inglewood. With a dining room, open kitchen, sushi centre and bakery, Bite offers customers the opportunity
to learn to use raw ingredients to make or take home meals. “We connect farmers to customers in an extraordinarily beautiful way,” she says.
Patty Nowlin, owner of Sunnyside Natural Market, is surrounded by local produce and products. — Calgary Herald file
Where to buy local food ocal file
Markets • Amaranth Whole Foods Market • Bite Groceteria & Café • Blush Lane Organic Market • Calgary Co-op • Community Natural Foods • The Cookbook Company Cooks • Forage Farm to Fork Foods • Janice Beaton Fine Cheese • Lina’s Italian Market • Market 17 • Planet Organic • Second to None Meats • Spolumbo’s • Sunnyside Natural Market • Walt’s Produce Sales
Farmers’ Markets • Calgary has both year-round and seasonal farmers’ markets. • Blackfoot Market • Calgary Farmers’ Market • Grassroots Northland Market • Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers Market • Kingsland Farmers’ Market • Parkdale Community Association Farmers’ Market
• Rocky Ridge Ranch Farmers’ Market • South Fish Creek Recreation Association Farmers’ Market • Triwood-Mountain View Lions Farmers’ Market Community Supported Agriculture
These local farms sell “shares” of their harvest to customers that, in return, receive a weekly share of vegetables and sometimes fruits and other items either to be picked up at a Calgary location or delivered.
• Billyco Junction • Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farms • Buckler Farm • Eagle Creek Farm • Eat Food for Life Canada Farm • Green Eggs and Ham • Heritage Market Gardens • Leaf and Lyre Urban Farms • New Oxley Ranch • Noble Gardens • Oxyoke Farms • Seeds to Greens • Spruceview Family Farms Co-operative
“We’ve taken our experience manufacturing and applied it to all of the product lines we bring in,” says Renee Amber, Amber’s Furniture’s buyer and manager. “We look for exciting new designs with substance – both style and quality have to be there for us to feature a line.”
Local suppliers suppliers have been a priority for Amber’s Amber’s Furniture Furniture since the beginning, beginning, cultivating relationships relationships with local upholsterers upholsterers and lumber yards yards to support Calgary’ss economy economy.. Amber’ Amber’ss is also dr drawn Calgary’ awn to other incorporate Canadian companies that incorpor ate great environmental gr eat envir onmental policies and sustainability into their businesses.
It’s all about choices, Amber’ss Furnitur Furniture and Amber’ e takes tak es their rrole ole on the frontlines fr ontlines of consumer choice very seriously. furniture more After all, furnitur e is mor e tthan han meets the eye. eye. It can be difficult difficult for consumers to discern what Not only does the furniture they bring products are well-made and Soft and Stylish in have to be durable, stylish and wellethically sourced. Amber’s does Our living room collection features fashion forward designs priced, but it also has to complement that legwork to ensur ensuree there’s there’s without compromising quality. This top grain leather swivel Amber’s Furniture’s business philosochair by Décor-rest adds a touch of spring to a room. Amber’s a wide selection of furnitur furnituree on phy and practices. Décor-rest gallery is home to designs by Steven & Chris and display that represents Cobi Ladner. Customize yours with fabric & leather options. their dedication “We showcase Canadian-made and local to quality and value while products as much as possible,” she says, which includes reflecting what customers are looking for. everything from large items like bedroom suites down to small details like the stain used on Amber’s own tables. In fact, What What customers customers are are looking for is great great design, comfort most of their and affordable affordable choices, choices, and the second generation generation of the supplierss ar are supplier e Amber family is making sure sure they get it. Canadian.
BE LOCAL
Since 1981, family-owned Amber’s Amber’s Furniture Furniture has been giving Calgary customers great selection and quality furniture that is made to last. Building on their passion for solid wood furniture, the company began manufacturing tables and chairs as a response to Alberta’s unique and fluctuating climate.
Living on the Edge
Solid wood Live Edge Tables combine old world charm with contemporary style. Choice of stain, base and wood species - Cherry, Maple, Quarter Sawn Oak and Walnut. Canadian Craftsmanship
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We love a well-made chair!
Rustic Revival
This sturdy solid maple bed is part of our Timber collection. Crafted in the heart of Canada’s Amish country, and exclusive to Amber’s! Many styles and stains available. Amber’s has the largest solid wood bedroom collection in Alberta.
Solid wood dining is the heart of our business. That’s why we have over 1000 tables and chairs in stock. Visit our showroom for in-stock, floor model, and intro specials on kitchen and dining suites
Classic Elegance
Amber’s leather gallery is impressive. Stationary and motion collections feature luxurious top grain hides and enduring styles. In stock and special order colours available!
(403) 291-3858
www.ambersfurniture.com
June 14, 2013
2878 32nd St. N.E. Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
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Non-profits receive an average 350% more support from local businesses than they do from non-locally owned businesses. — tenpercentshift.ca
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Beans brew artistic talents, initiatives by meghan jessiman
arts community — especially in the underfunded dance world. “The dance community is small in Calgary and we are striving to offee with a conscience create dance works that are chalusually refers to the use lenging and innovative,” she says. of fair trade beans in your “Local support is critical to the brew, but local artisan hub Caffe community’s success in putting Beano takes a more Calgary-cendance on the map in this city.” tric approach to the concept. Lewandowsky is quick to note Having always been an unofthat there are also a few benefits ficial gathering place for the city’s of localized support as arts community, owner Having local companies opposed to national or inMargie Gibb gradually became a fairy godmother support our art connects ternational contributions. When local organizaof sorts to small, local cretions and businesses take ative projects that struck them to the community. a supporting role with her interest. Calgary’s arts groups they truly “I kept hearing about the pro“We aren’t in a position to take a stake in a creative work duction they were doing at the make huge monetary donations and can see the results of their time, Dubbyk, from Megan and to the arts,” Gibb explains. “But contributions first-hand. They are we try to support where and how Maya,” Gibb explains. “It was also contributing to the overall such an ambitious project that we can, be it with free latte cards vibrancy and culture of their city. I just had to lend some support or silent auction donations, we “Having local companies supto it. do what we can.” port our art connects them to the “I’m fully behind those in the Over the past few years, Caffe community and to the work that arts that are so creative and willBeano has supported local is emerging from it,” Lewaningly to step into new territory.” initiatives from the Sled Island dowsky says. “It creates partnerAccording to Lewandowsky, Music Festival to Alberta Theatre ships within the community and, support, both financial and othProjects and the Calgary Spoken therefore, we all contribute in Word community. Most recently, erwise, is invaluable in Calgary’s
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Gibb has taken an interest in La Caravan Dance Theatre under the direction of Artistic Director, Maya Lewandowsky. Interestingly, the pair met when Gibb began taking voice lessons from Lewandowsky and the relationship was strengthened when a member of La Caravan’s ensemble, Megan Gole, joined the staff at Beano.
making Calgary a world-class city that features outstanding creative work.” Coffee with a communityminded and cultural-boosting conscience, indeed.
good coffee, IT’S A ReLIgIoN
june 14, 2013
1613 9TH STREET SW
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(JUST OFF 17TH AVENUE)
SUppORTiNg lOcAl ARTS & cUlTURE
La Caravan Dance artistic director Maya Lewandowsky, right, and Caffe Beano owner Margie Gibb in front of the Beltline cafe. — Gavin Young photo
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eghan Dear was frustrated with her grocery shopping experience. As someone who’s passionate about food, she wanted to buy local food but found it was hard to identify, so she created Localize. Almost two years later, bright orange Localize labels simplify the process of finding local food and learning about who produced it. The labels can be found on products
in more than 30 grocery stores throughout Alberta, including the Calgary Co-op. Localize is a good fit for the local retailer, says Cindy Drummond, Calgary Co-op communications manager. “This is a great opportunity for us to be able to give customers and members the ability to choose local products,” she says. “We know that our customers are always looking for the freshest, best products and we’re excited to help them make informed eating choices — it’s good for them and it’s good for us.” Dear has put a lot of thought into eating
choices. She’s an accredited professional biologist and is completing a post-graduate certificate in food security. While she has seen other local campaigns, she doesn’t feel they tell the complete story of the product. Localize doesn’t just label products as local, it also provides a weighted rating based on a number of factors. “The score is made up of people’s perceptions of what local means to them,” Dear says. Using a crowd-sourcing exercise, Dear found four components — ownership, production, ingredients and sustainability — were most important to consumers.
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Retailers turn to national sources for products Britannia Plaza in the city’s southwest is an assortment of unique shops and services offering everything from fashion and giftware to wine and hair care. The 15 independent retailers that make it up may be diverse in nature but they are united in philosophy: support their customers, their community, their city and their country. “When we go buying, the majority of us are very interested in sourcing out if not locally-made products then Canadian-made ones for sure,” says Katie Pearlman, spokesperson for Britannia Plaza and owner of Pacey’s….real life clothes. Whether it’s the optical outlet turning to Canadianmade eye glass frames or fashion retailers seeking out clothing lines from Canadian designers or
BE LOCAL
by adrienne beattie
Britannia plaza
Britannia Plaza in southwest Calgary has 15 independent retailers.
Britannia Ornamental Hardware and Gifts sourcing Nova Scotian pewter, Britannia Plaza retailers are determined to deal with domestic suppliers and manufactures as much as possible. “We believe in this very strongly. We live in the community, our staff lives in the community and we
want to contribute to the Calgary and the Canadian economies,” Pearlman says. She also takes it a step further at Pacey’s; she seeks out Canadian- or American-made clothing but she also looks beyond by finding products that are free trade, fair wage, and organic to help support the planet and its citizens.
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Labels help consumers make informed choices
BUSINESS PROFILE
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More local businesses mean a stronger tax base, and that pays for better public services for your family. — tenpercentshift.ca
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Neighbourly approach keeps communities healthy by angus macdonell
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any Calgaryowned and operated businesses work to make the city a better place by sponsoring local charities, fundraising for local causes, or spearheading local get-involved activities. As part of Community Natural Foods’ dedication to giving back, it provides daily deliveries of shortdated foodstuffs to the
Mustard Seed, a Calgary charitable society that helps the impoverished. “We have a relationship with them going back eleven years, and our customers can contribute through our Scan-Away Homelessness program. Last year, it raised $24,000,” says CNF’s Chandra Morice. CNF’s level of community involvement includes a yearly Stampede Breakfast, as well as programs that provide support to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank, the Arusha Centre (which
provides resources and programming on social justice issues), Green Calgary (teaching eco-conscious living), REAP (a local green business association), the Calgary Humane Society and many more. “Part of our mandate is that while we are a forprofit business, we behave very much like a not-forprofit, in that the more we make the more we give away,” says Morice. “We figure that if we can be good neighbours — and good members of the com-
munities we do business in — it helps keep the communities healthy, and that keeps us healthy, honest and active.” Cardel Homes, a local business for 40 years, also makes giving back to the community a priority. “We try to touch as many people as we can through our community programming, like with our Kids’
Captures program through the Calgary Board of Education,” says Linda MarekKoski, Cardel Homes’ marketing and community relations manager-Calgary sales and marketing manager. “We send CTV’s Lisa Bowes into schools to teach the children of low-income families how to become news reporters.”
Cardel’s list of initiatives includes contributions to Breast Cancer campaigns, food drives and funding participation of underprivileged kids in sports. Continued on 13 Five-year-old Josh Rowe works on his table tennis skills at Cardel Place, which received a $1.25 million donation from Cardel Homes. — Calgary Herald file
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BUSINESS PROFILE
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Cardel homes
Eco-Initiatives program to encourage events such as Folk Fest or Sled Island to practice environmental stewardship; supporting civic engagement through Civic Camp and Mayor Nenshi’s Three Things for Calgary initiative; organizing rain barrel sales for Green Calgary; and promoting volunteerism. DeBoice aptly captures the spirit of giving that helps First Calgary Financial and other local businesses attract and keep
clients: “We’re focused on outcomes, and are all about people helping people. Our members drive our community engagement process, and the feedback is highly positive.” Supporting local businesses helps them give back to their community, and at the same time builds better communities. First Calgary Financial sponsors events such as Sled Island, which attracted renowned singer/songwriter Leslie Feist last year. — Calgary Herald file
When school teachers Del and Caryl Ockey set out to build a new home 40 years ago, what began was the seeds of a major home-building company that operates in four cities and has donated more than $15 million to charities. “(Del) had a friend of his who at about three-quarters of the way through this home building process said: ‘Gee, I really like what you’re doing — would you build one for me, too?,’” says Ryan Ockey, son of Caryl and Del and CEO of Cardel Group of Companies. In the 1990s, Cardel expanded into three new cities: Ottawa, Tampa, Fla., and Denver, Colo. And in 2000, it opened its multi-family division, Cardel Lifestyles. Thanks to its success,
Cardel Homes’ first home takes root in 1973.
the company has earned the resources to give back, donating 10 per cent of its annual profits through major donations to a number of causes, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary, the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind and Dreams Take Flight. Other Cardel-sponsored charitable events include Hang with the Hitmen, the
Cardel Special Olympics Golf Classic and Run with the Roughnecks. “We do it because we think it’s the right thing to do,” says Ockey. The company also committed $1.25 million for naming rights to the independently owned Cardel Place recreation facility in 2004. For more information on Cardel Homes visit cardelhomes.com.
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Marek-Koski estimates Cardel has donated more than $15 million in the last four years, and adds that, “The Ockey family (founders of Cardel Homes) believes it’s their social responsibility as a successful builder in the city to give back.” First Calgary Financial is another local business that makes community involvement and giving part of their mission. “Everything is about the community,” says First Calgary Financial’s Dani DeBoice. “It’s ingrained in our values as a co-operative to truly be a part of our communities, both at the branch level and as a corporation. That includes partnering with local entities Thrive and Momentum to support community economic development and financial education; sponsoring the
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What is ‘local?’ by jessica patterson
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Caring about communities by angus macdonell
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e’re used to hitting the malls or big box stores to satisfy our shopping needs, and while that has its place there are good reasons to patronize locallyowned and operated merchants, too. “Buying local includes food, finance, fun, and many different areas, and is key to building a sustainable, local economy,” says Courtney Hare of Thrive, a Calgary-based organization that supports community
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economic development. “Local business owners are our friends, neighbours, colleagues, community members, and they’re here to see the environmental, social, and economic impact of their business decisions. “Local businesses also buy more locally themselves, keeping more money in the local economy.” Using a restaurant as an example of a local business cycle, Hare says the eatery may buy foodstuffs from an urban spin farm or rural farm. “They may use a local accountant to look after their financial books or hire a local marketing firm to create and maintain its website,” she adds. “Those individuals also shop or hire locally, so there’s a chain of positive economic benefits — unlike when we shop at a chain store where most of the money directly exits the city.” The economic impact of buying local is huge, says Hare, “and it also creates a stronger, more sustainable city to live in.” ”People have a tendency of looking at it as, if ‘I don’t shop locally all the time then I’m a
bad person.’ Or, they feel they’ll be judged for shopping at a big box store,” says Stephanie Jackman, founder and president of REAP Calgary (Respect for the Earth and All People), a green business association boasting more than 100 local business members. “The reality is that we’re all consuming, all the time, so we have multiple opportunities every day to make that choice, and when we do, it positively impacts the local economy.” All it takes is a 10 per cent shift in our spending habits, she says. “Or one shopping trip in 10 to a local merchant — that looks like $160 million dollars staying in the local economy each year,” explains Jackman, adding that shift would also equate to “1,600 new jobs created yearly, a lower environmental impact and greater money going to community organizations that are creating social change, as well as solving environmental problems. “There really are lots of great outcomes from shifting just 10 per cent of our spending.” Supporting local businesses also contributes to Calgary’s growth as a city, she says, as well
we have multiple opportunities every day to make that choice and when we do, it positively impacts the local economy. as fosters a stronger sense of community. “We really want people to think about the 10 per cent shift,” she says. “Lots of research across North America has demonstrated the positive benefits if everyone did it. A coffee every other Friday from a local vendor, or a trip to the farmers’ market every two months, is all it really takes to make a difference. If everyone was doing that, the economic and social benefits to the city would be immense.” AT LEFT: Susan Copley, owner of Galleria Inglewood, which has been supporting local- and Canadian-made products for the past 30 years. The arts and crafts store represents more than 450 Canadian artisans, the majority of whom are from Alberta, with the youngest being 13 and oldest artisans into their 80s. CENTRE: Jean Whitehead, has make-up applied by Krystal Mowat during an Oprah Day at Aveda Institute Calgary earlier this year. Mowat, who works at Swizzlesticks Salon Spa, volunteered her services for the free event, which gave back to the less fortunate women in the city through such organizations as YWCA, Inn from the Cold and the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. INSET: Stephanie Jackman, founder and president of REAP Calgary. — Calgary Herald files
As Calgarians, many of us buy local, shop local and eat locallyproduced food. But, what does “local” really mean? “If you are a consumer, local is close to where you live as possible. If you’re a producer or store owner, you’re thinking more regional,” says Mike Fotheringham, research manager at Calgary Economic Development. Shopping and supporting locally owned businesses is good for the local economy and the community, he says. “Revenue that’s generated through that business is likely to stay in the local economy, to a greater degree than a non-locally owned enterprise,” Fotheringham says. “What you get is called a multiplier effect. “Essentially, every dollar that is spent at locally owned store will stay in the economy, some studies say, three to four times that of a dollar that is spent at a nonlocally owned store.” Buying local is good for communities, when everyone benefits as a result. Locally owned businesses also give back to the communities they’re in, participating and getting involved in the community. Continued on 17
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Local businesses can make better use of community space and empty spaces, such as heritage buildings, to conduct business, adding to the esthetics of a city. — tenpercentshift.ca
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Locally business owners are your friends and neighbours, and they work and invest in their communities — just like you. — tenpercentshift.ca
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Local artisans create unique pieces by paula trotter
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raped around Sandy Angle’s wrist is a well-decorated heart charm bracelet. The charms are slightly different in size and jingle like a wind chime when the local jeweler takes a gentle swipe at them, sharing the story of what inspired her to make her first heart charm bracelet — she wanted to give something meaningful to a friend who had lost her young son. Angle has continued to make heart charm bracelets since then, but none are an exact replica of the original, nor have any two been exactly the same. Unique pieces and the stories behind them seem be the main reasons for why people purchase their art, glassware, jewelry and
much more from artists at a variety of markets and festivals in the city. “I have many pieces that have a lot of meaning behind them and why I designed them the way I did,” says Angle, owner of Silverwater Designs, who has sold her sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry at popular festivals such as Lilac Festival, Sun and Salsa, Sunfest and the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market for 20 years before setting up shop at the Calgary Farmers’ Market in December 2012. “So I’m able to tell that story, whereas in a retail location, there’s not that personal touch.” Her customers are conscious shoppers who want to know where and how things are made, so hearing these stories matters to them.
Amanda Bonner agrees. “I recently bought a photograph from our resident photographer A heart pendant made by Sandy Ursula Krol, Angle and she told me that the photo took her 10 years to capture it at just the right moment,” says Bonner, director of marketing for the Calgary Farmers Market. “That little fact has made this photograph one of my favourites because I know how special it is. These are not connections and information you can get from a big box store.” Calgarian Taylor Poitras, 24, is an avid antiquer and market shopper, and finding one-of-a-kind treasures with good back stories is just as alluring to her.
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“As soon as I started shopping at the local markets, the gifts that I give have so much more meaning and are so much more interesting,” she says. “When you give it to someone, you have the whole story behind it because you spoke with the artist.” But the community atmosphere is also appealing for many patrons. “It’s more of social event,
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not just a market for selling and buying,” Poitras says, speaking specifically of Market Collective. Co-founders Angela Dione and Angel Guerra started Market Collective in 2008, fueled by their passion to bring people together through the arts. “It’s a valuable experience even if you don’t buy anything,” Guerra says of wandering through markets
and talking with artists. Guerra and her team are working to secure a new permanent location in time to celebrate Market Collective’s fifth anniversary this summer. Born and raised in Calgary, Sandy Angle is a jewelry designer who, through her company Stillwater Designs, sells her wares at the Calgary Farmer’s Market. — Michelle Hofer photos
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“By and large, locallyowned stores are more embedded in their communities in terms of giving back to local sport teams or supporting local initiatives,” Fotheringham says. Local doesn’t mean just within walking distance, or within Calgary city limits, or within 100-miles of the city. “We don’t take a hard and fast geographic perspective, when it comes to local,” says Carolyn Davis, community relations associate director at Momentum. “At Momentum, we really care about ownership. We care about who owns the business, because it’s the owner makes the decisions. And if they live in the community, they’re more likely to invest locally.” Momentum works with individuals in Calgary who live on low incomes to start their own small businesses,
Davis says. “That is a way, for us, to create a pathway out of poverty,” she explains. “They get to make their own business decisions; they get to become their own bosses; and they add valuable service to the community.” Local businesses are impacted by the decisions consumers make, “whether that’s environmentally, socially or economically,” says Courtney Hare, community economic development co-ordinator with Thrive, Calgary’s community economic development network. “It’s really cool when someone makes the com-
BUSINESS PROFILE
SUREWAY WINDOW FASHIONS Family-owned business helps shape industry
mitment to small changes that have a really big impact,” she says. “So, maybe once a week, they buy from a local coffee shop instead of the chain coffee stores.”
Sureway Sureway Window
Mary Ellen Grueneberg, the owner of Greens eggs & Ham, a kiosk at the Crossroads Market. Her stall specializes in selling vegetables, eggs, and meat produced at her own farm. — Calgary Herald file
For more than three decades, Sureway Window Fashions has offered quality blinds, shades, draperies and shutters to residential and commercial clients across Calgary. The experienced staff at this family-owned business is knowledgeable and committed to quality customer service through free in-home consultations and an impressive on-site showroom. “We have samples of everything — functioning large samples — so people can see what the window coverings are going to look like,” says owner Ricia Allard, whose company also supports local businesses, with about 85 per cent of the manufacturers and suppliers she features being proudly Canadian. Sureway’s design consul-
Fashions
Sureway Window Fashions owner Ricia Allard looks over samples.
tants go above and beyond for clients, and Allard does the same for the industry. She is actively involved in education and safety in the industry; she is on the technical committee for the Canadian Standards Association on Window Coverings and the Interior Decorating Advisory Committee for Bow Valley College. Allard is also an instructor for Bow Valley’s con-
tinuing education window coverings course, as well as mentoring practicum students on the industry. “I’m able to give back to the community, helping the young and upcoming students by giving them practical experience and knowledge,” she says. Through both design excellence and industry involvement, Sureway Window Fashions is a true leader in the industry.
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Study after study shows that local small business is the greatest source of job creation.. — tenpercentshift.ca
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NeighbourLink helps struggling families by meghan jessiman
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hen times get tough, Neighbourlink gets
going. “The people we help are some of the most vulnerable in Calgary: single
mothers, seniors, recent immigrants, individuals living with physical or mental illness and the working poor,” explains director of development Melissa Nelson. “During times of economic prosperity, lowincome families are often those most affected by lack of affordable housing and the rising cost of food and transportation. “More and more of their take-home pay goes towards keeping a roof over their heads causing families to struggle just to cover the cost of their family’s basic needs. This is where we come in.” NeighbourLink works to connect the members of Calgary’s community who are in need of
a hand with agencies they may not know exist. By collecting, storing and re-distributing simple items like formula, diapers, cribs and beds, they are able to make a hugely positive impact on the wellbeing of people in a state of crisis. Operating since 1993, this year marks NeighbourLink’s 20th year of service in the community. While the organization does receive some funding from the provincial government, The United Way and The Burns Foundation, it is largely due to annual fundraising efforts and the generosity of local businesses like Kacz’ Kids that allow this organization to help as many people as they do — more than 26,000 calls were answered last year alone, with over 36,000 items being delivered. “Kacz’ Kids has been an incredible supporter and
a home. It has given us the her five children, one partner to NeighbourLink confidence and hope we for a number of years now,“ NeighbourLink recipient need to start again.” was overwhelmed by the Nelson says. “Through this NeighbourLink provided prospect of starting life relationship, we been able her and her to provide kids with cribs, car seats through this relationship, peace of and strollers we have been able to provide the mind they to families in need. Kacz’ cribs, car seats and strollers needed to start again Kids generosto families in need. — without ity helps us any friends to stretch our or family to fall back on — over from scratch. dollars, and with waitlists in a new city. “I’ve tried to leave bethat sometimes exceed 50 “I feel relieved. No stress, fore, but it was so difficult families waiting for a crib, no worries, just gratitude this relationship has proven to think of the next steps for the help we received.” and how to take them,” invaluable.” she says. “Being able to get With the help of services my own place, a home for like NeighbourLink, desmy children, that was one perate times don’t need to Miattia Samboia got help from thing, but with the help lead to desperate measures. NeighbourLink after being displaced by a fire. — Calgary When fleeing an abusive of NeighbourLink be we Herald file were able to really make it domestic situation with
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BUSINESS PROFILE
The Localize label helps consumers make informed choices on grocery store options. — Thinkstock photo
Jayman Homebuilder helps fight homelessness in city
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ON THE LABEL ocal file
The Localize label provides a weighted score out of 10 based on four components: • Location of food production/ processing, up to 45 per cent of score. • Location of business ownership, up to 35 per cent of score. • Location/source of ingredients, up to 25 per cent of score. • Sustainability, up to 1.8 bonus points that can be added to the ingredients score Sustainability, up to 1.8 bonus points that can be added to the ingredients score.
To Jayman, a culture of philanthropy means that a key way it gauges its success as a company is by how it consistently gives back to the community and other people. “Business and community are intertwined,” explains director, marketing Careen Chrusch. “The health of one ultimately affects the health of the other. It is in this spirit of community giving that we bring these initiatives alive at Jayman.” The homebuilder is in a unique position to give back, as shelter is one of the most fundamental of human needs. Over the years, it has contributed millions of dollars to initiatives that prevent homelessness among vulnerable Calgarians, including those with disabilities and medical challenges, addictions and in
Jayman employees volunteer at the Mustard Seed as part of the company’s efforts to support the fight against homelessness in the city.
abusive situations. Jayman has committed $250,000 towards the Mustard Seed Affordable Housing Initiative and countless volunteer hours from its employees toward finishing the community building project. Jayman also contributed $1 million to the Resolve campaign, which saw Calgary homebuilders pledge to construct $11.2 million
worth of housing, equivalent to about 200 units. In addition, Jayman also supports Camp Kindle for children with cancer, is a provincial sponsor of the Forzani Foundation Mothers Day Run and Walk, and gives to countless community organizations, ranging from Big Brothers Big Sisters and Theatre Calgary to the Calgary Women’s Shelter.
BE LOCAL
Dear collects information from producers to determine a score for each product, which is then put on that product’s label and her website. “Gathering and vetting information from producers is the bulk of our work,” Dear says. Despite the volume of work involved, Dear doesn’t charge producers for participation. Her goal is to tell the story of as many local producers as possible. A QR code on each label also allows customers to scan the label with a smartphone and pull up a story about where the product came from on the Localize website. “We now have the ability to share the stories of local producers and farmers in an innovative way when customers scan the Localize QR codes,” says Drummond. “It’s a unique way to tell a story.” More than 400 products have been profiled since Localize launched in January of this year. Dear, who now works on the Localize project full-time, is looking to expand throughout Alberta and into Saskatchewan.
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Building great homes starts with building ing grea great communities. At Jayman, yman, w we know homes are only as good as the communities they’re built in. We strive to strengthen our local communities by supporting initiativ tives that prevent homelessness, assist those with disabilities and promot omote healthy families. It’s part of our promise to our homeowners and
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June 14, 2013
our unc uncompromising commitment to building the best communities.
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Buying your daily hot drinks from a locally owned coffee shop can inject more than $1,000 per person a year back into the economy. — tenpercentshift.ca
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Walk-in Closet opens doors by meghan jessiman
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nyone who has interviewed for a job they really wanted can attest to what a nerve racking experience it can be. Add to that stress the fact that you just immigrated to Canada with your young daughter and you don’t feel that any of the clothing you bought with you from your home country measures up in
Canada’s corporate culture, and you have some idea what Svetlana Vernigora was feeling when she arrived in Calgary in the fall of 2012. Relocating from the Eastern European nation of Moldova with the hope of creating a better life for herself and her child, Vernigora was overjoyed to learn about Calgary’s WalkIn Closet program which, with the help of donations from citizens and local boutiques such as Blu’s, make dressing for success a little easier for female immigrants. Fortunate to learn about the Walk-In closet from the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Society very soon after arriving in Calgary, Vernigora says the program was a great relief during her whirlwind integration into Canadian society. “Where I came from,
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professional clothing was not emphasized and I almost always wore jeans,” she says. “ It was very pleasant to find out that there is an organization that would help me with the newcomer’s problem of dressing professionally and beyond that, it was a great support system provided by women to women.” Created by the Making Changes Society, the WalkIn Closet Program provides 90-minute individual consultations on professional business attire to women facing financial barriers who want to join the local workforce, return to school or engage in volunteer opportunities. In addition to information on business culture and appropriate dress, participants are offered gently used clothing and accessories, at no cost, to help them look and feel
their best. Once or twice a year, Blu’s hosts a clothing trade-in where it asks its customers to bring in donations of new or gently used professional clothing in exchange for a store voucher to use towards their next purchase. It’s an initiative that has proven extremely successful and in turn has boosted the confidence of innumerable women in need — more than 1,600 in 2012 alone. Vernigora believes the Walk-In Closet played a substantial role in helping her ultimately land her dream job as a sales and service representative for Canadian Western Bank. “Their educational process and the clothes and extras they gave me, of course, made me feel special and confident in my interview,” she explains. “You wouldn’t necessarily think this is the kind of
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thing immigrants need to prioritize, but looking and feeling good when seeking employment is vital. I will forever be thankful for the help I received.”
Svetlana Vernigora immigrated to from Moldova last fall and utilized the services of the Calgary Walk-In Closet to have a professional wardrobe, which helped her obtain employment. — Gavin Young photo
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blush lane organic market
Thousands flock to the 4th Street Lilac Festival each year, many of whom check out the locally made merchandise — Calgary Herald file photo
might have continued to languish indefinitely, never becoming the destination experience it is today — celebrated for its historical heritage, walking opportunities, and unique shops. Angus Macdonell is a Calgary-based freelance writer who sits on the board of directors of REAP Calgary, writes for its website and participates in many city initiatives.
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Blush Lane Organic Market may be a small company but over the past decade it has grown to include a location in Edmonton, the store in Aspen Woods, and farmers’ market stands. It has also grown profitable, which allows the organization to give back. “Being involved in organics, we look at everything as being connected so to be able to be involved with charity is something that is really exciting,” says Blush Lane president Rob Horricks. For the past few years, Blush Lane and its customers have supported the Community Kitchen Program in Calgary and Youth Empowerment and Support Services in Edmonton. Customers are invited to donate to these causes and
L-R Jerome Koebel, Blush Lane Organic Market store manager Judy Stevens and Willy Zumbado.
the store proudly matches each donation. “It’s great to bring everybody – customers, employees, and management — toward a goal,” he says. In May, Blush Lane donated nearly $3,000 to the Community Kitchen, whose initiatives help feed Calgary’s hungry. The store also regularly donates food to the
YWCA and actively opposes GMOs. Giving back is important at Blush Lane. Horricks himself supports the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, the organization that gave him his first loan to start a business. He now mentors other young entrepreneurs, paying the assistance he enjoyed forward to the next generation.
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Holistic approach basis behind helpful hands
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“And if more people shift their spending, you start to see the same original $100 bouncing all around your community being spent in different ways,” says BC’s Ten Percent Shift’s website. “So suddenly, your $100 is becoming worth a lot more to the community.” Other benefits from spending locally include the ongoing prosperity of Calgary’s business revitalization zones in neighbourhoods like Bowness, Montgomery, Victoria Park or Inglewood. Without the support of vendors in those areas, who in many cases voluntarily pay extra taxes to promote their respective BRZs, there would be no annual events such as Lilac Fest or Marda Gras, nor would these places be as fun to visit or hang out in — they would struggle to attract people to them, to thrive and to contribute back to the city. Some BRZs, such as Victoria Park for example, which is located between downtown and the Stampede grounds, have only begun to come into their own, and the transformation is astounding. It’s only with local support from the business community and residents alike, however, that the change has been possible. Without that support, ‘Vic Park’
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When local stores are kept in business, it not only keeps jobs in town, but the money spent in your town in a local small business usually stays in town. — tenpercentshift.ca
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Between Generation mentor helps ‘her kids’ feel important by meghan jessiman
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hat can you accomplish in an hour? As part of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Between Generations mentoring program, a lot. One hour, once a week can change a local Calgarian child’s life, something 68-year-old volunteer Mary Anne Gates can attest to. A mentor with the program since January 2007, this retired psychiatric nurse originally learned about Between Generations through her own granddaughter and saw it as an opportunity to get involved as a “grandparent” to children in local schools who may be lacking that type of relationship in their own family. Supported by First Calgary Financial, the program mandate is for mentors to spend quality
one-on-one time with their mentee doing activities like crafts, art projects, playing games and baking — typical grandparent territory. Mary Anne goes above and beyond the standard commitment, opting to be matched with four children, one of which she has been mentoring for the past four years. Each Tuesday spent with “her kids” reinforces her belief this is exactly what she is meant to be doing and the jokes and stories her mentees share remind her it’s also what the children want to be doing. “When we say goodbye each time, my hope is that I have taught them something, helped them realize how important they are to me and to others and that we have shared a laugh or two,” says Gates. “A genuine friendship with a child builds resiliency and this
Central Memorial Park in the Beltline 340 13th Ave. SW
stays with them always.” Between Generations program has been a great way for her to build friendships with others her own age, as well, since the mentors connect socially before the program and during recess at their schools. The benefits of this program for the children involved are obvious: they feel cherished and important, worthy of an adults time and attention. Gates insists the rewards she reaps each week as a mentor are just as sweet, however. “Every week there is something that someone says or does that warms my heart and makes me feel how worthwhile the time that I spend with the children is,” Gates says with sincerity. “For instance, the children were asked recently: ‘If you had one magical power what would you want it to be?’
every week there is something that someone says or does that warms my heart One child answered, ‘I would make people able to fly so Mary Anne would not have to walk with a cane.’ I cried, of course.”
Mary Anne Gates has been involved in the Between Generations mentor program since January 2007, and has been a “grandparent” to students lacking that tight-knit connection within their own families. — Submitted photo
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RIVER CAFE EMPLOYEES: 85 YEARS IN CALGARY: 22 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Academic collaboration/sponsorship include: SAIT Culinary Internship Program, Slow Food Calgary, Montessori and CBE elementary school classes, garden apprenticeships, donations.
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BOXWOOD EMPLOYEES: 30 YEARS IN CALGARY: 3 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Charitable donations, sponsorships, educational programs/ memberships, including: Slow Food Calgary, The Poppy Fund, Alberta Theatre Projects, Vine Arts, as well as fund raise.
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BUNDLES OF ENERGY EMPLOYEES: 3 YEARS IN CALGARY: 3 LOCATIONS: 1 plus online COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Online programs across North America; workshops throughout Alberta. Give whole-food nutrition workshops/speeches to schools, athletic teams, businesses, associations.
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BLACK SHEEP MATTRESS COMPANY EMPLOYEES: 2 YEARS IN CALGARY: 3 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Green Calgary member and sponsor, BullFrog Powered and Uend Poverty sponsor.
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CALGARY CO-OP EMPLOYEES: 3,500 YEARS IN CALGARY: 57 LOCATIONS: 24 food centres, 28 gas bars, 23 liquor stores, 2 health care centres COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Donated more than $4 M in 2012; Localize participant; supports include The Mustard Seed, food bank and Meals on Wheels.
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CARDEL HOMES EMPLOYEES: 220 YEARS IN CALGARY: 40 LOCATIONS: 56 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Has donated more than $15 M to charities. Supports 50+ agencies each year, including: Cardel KidsKasters, classroom lacrosse, Special Olympics Calgary, MADD, Dreams Take Flight Calgary.
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GREENGATE GARDEN CENTRES EMPLOYEES: 30-150 LOCATIONS: 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes Calgary Horticulture Society, Calgary Drop-In Centre, Calgary Homeless Foundation.
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HEARTH & HOME EMPLOYEES: 22 YEARS IN CALGARY: 28 LOCATIONS: 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes: Calgary Children’s Foundation ($50,000+), Back the Blu, Arc, local communities, firefighters, EMS services, Jaycees, Kingsmen Cancer Camp, Ride for Cancer.
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WICKER LAND PATIO EMPLOYEES: 9 YEARS IN CALGARY: 30 LOCATIONS: 3 (2 in Calgary) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes: Hot Heels Fashion Show and Silent Auction, Made by Mamma, AARC and Habitat for Humanity.
WILLOW PARK WINES & SPIRITS EMPLOYEES: 100+ LOCATIONS: 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes: Charity Wine Auction, Vintage Fund (endowment fund focusing on education, health care and seniors’ needs in the city). To date, raised $2.5 M+ for local charity.
L OCAL FILE INTERNATIONAL AVENUE BRZ LOCATION: Business district from 26 and 61 streets on 17th Avenue S.E. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Food tours of the area, local shops and manufacturers in the community of Greater Forest Lawn, one-time events.
L OCAL FILE AMBER’S FINE FURNITURE EMPLOYEES: 20 YEARS IN CALGARY: 32 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The Mustard Seed, Mennonite Central Committee, Loose Moose Theatre Co., Alberta Theatre Projects (Bob Edwards Event), Blue Mountain Bio Dynamic Farm (hail damage fundraiser).
L OCAL FILE COMMUNITY NATURAL FOODS EMPLOYEES: 346 YEARS IN CALGARY: 36 LOCATIONS: 3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Donated more than $1 M in last five years. Support includes local athletes, The Mustard Seed, food bank, local events and Change for the Earth campaign.
L OCAL FILE JAYMAN EMPLOYEES: 320 (Calgary and Edmonton) YEARS IN CALGARY: 30 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes: MS research, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Mustard Seed’s Affordable Housing Complex, The GRIT Society, Kids Cancer Care, Mother’s Day Run, Women’s Shelter.
L OCAL FILE SUNNYSIDE NATURAL MARKET & SIDEWALK CITIZEN BAKERY EMPLOYEES: Market: 20; bakery: 20 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes: community initiatives and charities, Mustard Seed Roof Top Garden, Organic Alberta, schools, Jane’s Walk.
L OCAL FILE ECHO-YARDS EMPLOYEES: 9 YEARS IN CALGARY: 7 LOCATIONS: At client sites around the city (no store front) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Participate in local and corporate eco-fairs, supported the campaign to phase out pesticides in Calgary.
L OCAL FILE BLUSH LANE EMPLOYEES: 50-70 YEARS IN CALGARY: 9 LOCATIONS: 6 (4 in Calgary) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Include: Community Kitchen Program, Youth Empowerment an Support Services (Edmonton), Canadian Youth Business Foundation, various events/ fundraisers and mentorships.
L OCAL FILE DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS EMPLOYEES: 350 YEARS IN CALGARY: 8 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Supports include: Calgary Folk Music Festival, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Adopta-Family.
L OCAL FILE RIVAS A CLEAN ECO STORE EMPLOYEES: 7 YEARS IN CALGARY: 5 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes: Inglewood BRZ, the Area and Pith Gallery and Studios, plus organizations in line with mission and values.
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L OCAL FILE HEALTH CHEF EMPLOYEES: 5 YEARS IN CALGARY: 2 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Supports local farmers, ranchers and sustainable food production practices. Donations include: Veteran’s Food Program, Calgary food bank, Alberta Theatre Projects.
L OCAL FILE BRITANNIA PLAZA EMPLOYEES: 200+ RETAILERS: 22 (stores and services) YEARS IN CALGARY: 58 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Include: Britannia Community Association, women’s health issues, abused women prevention and art groups.
L OCAL FILE FIRST CALGARY FINANCIAL EMPLOYEES: 460 YEARS IN CALGARY: 76 LOCATIONS: 16 retail branches COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Supports include: financial literacy, environmental advocacy, child mentoring, promoting volunteerism, investing in community (in 2012, $722,000; 1,200 employee volunteer hours).
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SUREWAY WINDOW FASHIONS EMPLOYEES: 6 YEARS IN CALGARY: 32 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes: Canadian Standards Association, Bow Valley College (advisory committee member; instructor), Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (member).
L OCAL FILE REWORKS UPCYCLE SHOP EMPLOYEES: 2 YEARS IN CALGARY: 1 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Specializing in one-of-a-kind items made from recycled or upcycled material, locally made decor, accessories and gifts. Supports local businesses, culture, food, art and bicycling.
L OCAL FILE CAFFE BEANO EMPLOYEES: 20 YEARS IN CALGARY: 23 LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Include: supporting local arts and culture, with focus on great coffee, local food, good conversation and creating community.
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REAP members
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L OCAL FILE GALLERIA INGLEWOOD EMPLOYEES: 10 YEARS IN CALGARY: 30+ LOCATIONS: 1 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Represents more than 450 Canadian artisans, potters and artists, many of whom are local.
L OCAL FILE SWIZZLESTICKS SALON SPA EMPLOYEES: 55-60 LOCATIONS: 56 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes: Appointments for the Earth, grassroots organizations, gifting an average $80,000-$100,000 annually, Alberta Ballet, Green Carpet Gala, Pink Ribbon Fundraising Campaign (Aveda partner).
Founded in 2006, REAP Business Association’s vision is to create a vibrant and sustainable local economy where citizens understand and value the impact of shopping locally. — reapcalgary.com
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RESPECT FOR THE EARTH AND ALL PEOPLE
Promoting a positive change in the way we live by supporting “be local” initiatives. www.reapcalgary.com
June 14, 2013
Be Local
Get to know your independently owned Calgary businesses with our Be Local directory!
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special double issue
Be Canadian Friday, June 14, 2013
PREMIERE ISSUE
Economic Equation Support equals a healthy national economy
Be Local
on flip side
BUSINESS PROFILE
Canadian tire
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Jumpstart helps kids realize sporting dreams What kid doesn’t love to swim, dance or play soccer, baseball or hockey? Not only are those activities fun, but research shows physical activity and access to sports for children leads to increased selfesteem, strong leadership skills and improved school performance in children. The reality is that one in three Canadian families can’t afford to enrol their sons and daughters in sports and
recreational programs. That’s where Canadian Tire Jumpstart comes in. By covering the cost of registration, equipment and/or transportation, the national charitable program has helped 580,000 (and counting) kids ages four to 18 participate in the sports of their choice. “Our vision is more than getting children involved in sports and recreation — it’s to have a country where
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all kids have a chance to fulfill their dreams,” says Johnny Misley, president of Jumpstart Charities. Jumpstart has 332 local chapters across Canada, all built on the support of volunteers. These chapters work closely with more than 2,600 community partners to identify families with financial needs whose children would benefit from the programs. Locally, Jumpstart
supported 3,882 kids from the Calgary area alone last year, and has helped 15,788 kids since 2005. This is possible thanks to the generous support from the Canadian Tire Corp. and all Canadians who support the program. The next fundraising event in Alberta is Jumpstart’s Pedal for Kids, a five-day, 500-kilometre bike ride from Hinton to Calgary. Set for July 13-17, cyclists include Canadian Tire dealers, corporate employees from across the Canadian Tire Family of Companies and friends
from beyond the enterprise who will pedal their hearts out to raise more than $200,000. To celebrate the ride, and all the Jumpstart Jumpstart has helped 3,882 Calgary kids last work, July 18 will be year alone. the second annual Jumpstart Games in a barbecue lunch. Help Carstairs Memorial Park, kids from your community hosted by FGL Sports. The today by visiting your local Jumpstart Games provide Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, a fun day for more than Atmosphere, Mark’s and 500 children where they Canadian Tire Gas+ stores. can acquire teamwork Learn more at jumpstart. skills, interact with other canadiantire.ca or call 1-877children their age and enjoy 616-6600.
Calgary Canadian Tire Stores Locally Owned & Operated Supporting Local Community Initiatives • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF C CALGARY ALGARY • HULL CHILD AND F FAMILY AMILY SER SERVICES VICES • DISCO DISCOVERY VERY HOUSE • YMC YMCA A • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGAR ALGARY Y LEARNING VILLA VILLAGE GE COLLABORA COLLABORATIVE TIVE • CITY OF C CALGARY ALGARY • HULL CHILD AND F FAMILY AMILY SERVICES SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BO BOYS YS & GIRLS CLUBS • T TALISMAN ALISMAN CENTER • THE C CALGARY ALGARY LEARNING VILLA VILLAGE GE COLLABORA COLLABORATIVE TIVE • CITY OF C CALGAR ALGARY • HULL CHILD AND F FAMILY AMILY SER SERVICES VICES • DISCO DISCOVERY VERY HOUSE • YMC YMCA A • KID SPOR SPORT T • BIG BR BROTHER OTHER BIG SISTERS OF C CALGARY ALGARY AND AREA • BO BOYS YS & GIRLS CLUBS • T TALISMAN ALISMAN CENTER • THE C CALGARY ALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS
Canadian Tire has a strong track record of acting in a socially responsible
& GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND
manner as we work in partnership with our employees, communities, customers
FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS •
& suppliers. In addition to our donations and sponsorship programs, we give
TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES •
our time & financial resources to a variety of social & community causes, with
DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER
the largest single beneficiary being Canadian Tire Jumpstart.
• THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF C CALGAR ALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE C CALGAR ALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF C CALGAR ALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE • CITY OF CALGARY • HULL CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES • DISCOVERY HOUSE • YMCA • KID SPORT • BIG
JUNE 14, 2013
BROTHER BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS • TALISMAN CENTER • THE CALGARY LEARNING VILLAGE COLLABORATIVE •
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3,884 Last Year 15,788 Since inception in 2005“Our growing national network of 332 local chapters play a key role in making the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program successful. Each chapter is volunteer-based and includes representatives from Canadian Tire stores, Canadian Tire dealers and petroleum agents, a variety of non-profit organizations and charities, and community leaders. Collectively, they work with over 2,500 organizations across Canada (including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and YMCA-YWCA) to discreetly identify financially disadvantaged children that might benefit from the program. This model helps us ensure that the funds are directed to those who need it most.”
MACLEOD TRAIL (403) 278-4040 MCKENZIE TOWNE (403) 257-4729 PACIFIC PLACE (403) 248-6400
DEERFOOT DALHOUSIE SHAWNESSY
(403) 295-2800 (403) 288-1100 (403) 201-2002
SARCEE. COUNTRY HILLS N.E. BEACON HILL
(403) 246-1461 (403) 226-9550 (403) 456-6428
The Great Canadian ‘made in Canada’ quest
— Thinkstock photo
ronment and increased global competition” as major issues affecting the declines. Indeed, the majority of clothing imports now come from China. From 2004 to 2008, Canadian clothing manufacturers and textile product mills saw almost half of their jobs disappear. Market share of clothing imports from China over the same period grew by more than 50 per cent. It’s a simple equation, really. Buying Canadian-made clothing supports Canadian jobs. And buying Canadian-made clothing is as simple as checking the label. Likewise, Barefoot realized of 61 films he’d seen one year, none of them were Canadian. “I used to go almost once a week,” he says. “The reality is there are very few Canadian movies in theatres.” Barefoot started watching Canadian television shows, attending Canadian art exhibits, going to Canadian live music and reading Canadian authors. The yearlong Canadian diet included food as well, of course. Without being much of a cook or foodie, Barefoot broadened the food category to include locally owned restaurants. Eating a seasonal diet from Canadian producers helps sustain Canadian farmers, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions from foods flown around the world to arrive on your plate. Barefoot’s challenge introduced one category each month — household goods in January, clothes in February and his challenge was cumulative — by the end of the year he was buying exclusively Canadian. Changes like these that can influence the economy, one Canadian at a time.
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Adrienne Beattie is a Calgary writer who has covered urban environmental issues for more than 10 years.
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A publication of the Calgary Herald Special Projects Department in partnership with REAP Calgary EDITOR/ DESIGNER: Karen Petkau, 403-235-7513 kpetkau@ calgaryherald.com ADVERTISING: Margo Moore, 403-235-7382 mmoore@ calgaryherald.com
CONTRIBUTORS: Adrienne Beattie Barbara Balfour Alex Frazer-Harrison
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COVER: Community Natural Foods marketing co-ordinator Nicole Boisvert, left, Amber’s Fine Furniture’s Renee Amber with and Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery owner Leslie D’Andrea with some of their Canadian made products. Photographer: Gavin Young
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ancouverite Darren Barefoot embarked on a year of what he called “thoughtful consumption” to buy only Canadian. His quest raises some intriguing questions about where we buy our goods and services from. Buying Canadian isn’t as straightforward as one might think. Many iconic Canadian companies have been sold to foreign investors. Founded in 1670, the Hudson’s Bay Company, was acquired by American Jerry Zucker in 2006. Established in 1847 Canada’s largest brewer, Labatt Brewing Company, was purchased in 1995 by Belgian brewer, Interbrew. Historic hotel properties, such as the Banff Springs Hotel and the Chateau Lake Louise, once owned by Canadian Pacific Hotels, were taken over by the foreign-owned Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in 1999. Foreign-owned companies may fly the maple leaf and affix Canada to their name but that doesn’t mean they’re Canadian either.
Walmart Canada, Target Canada, General Motors Canada, Shell Canada and Parmalat Canada are again, just a small sampling of companies some might think are Canadian, but aren’t. Thoughtful consumption, therefore, becomes more challenging. Buying Canadian means doing a little research to identify where businesses are run from. Barefoot’s journey included food, clothing, entertainment, investments, household items — every purchase he’d make for the year, purchases many don’t think about. Barefoot says finding Canadianmade clothing was one of the most challenging aspects of his year. He says, “very, very few clothes are manufactured in Canada.” He says he couldn’t find hiking shoes or running shoes made in Canada, and only two styles of men’s dress shoes from Roots. Industry Canada notes the Canadian apparel industry has experienced “significant declines in shipments, gross domestic product and employment.” It identifies “the liberalized trade envi-
Friday, June 14, 2013 PREMIERE ISSUE
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nside this issue
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Getting the ‘Jump’ on hunger Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank gets help from local businesses.
4 Affects of Canadian philanthropy
Much of our nation’s economy, charity and sponsorship has leafy roots.
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Giving the gift of camp
Canadian coffee giant gives kids a summer to remember.
JUNE 14, 2013
by adrienne beattie
Be Canadian
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When we buy Canadian, we know that the products have met this country’s health and safety standards. The manufacturing industry in Canada is highly regulated, from the factories’ environmental emissions, to the quality assurance practices, to the materials used and beyond. — buycanadianfirst.ca
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Canuck power
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by barbara balfour
JUNE 14, 2013
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Getting the ‘Jump’ on hunger by alex frazer-harrison
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eeping kids active and healthy requires good nutrition as well as sports and activities. That’s why the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities have been a good fit since Jumpstart started supporting initiatives such as Theatre Calgary’s Toonies for Turkeys fundraisers in support of the food bank. “The Calgary food bank receives no government funding — we depend 100 per cent on everyday Calgarians, businesses and corporations to come through and help with feeding people who need that little bit of support,” says D.D. (Dolores) Coutts, manager of communications and development. Toonies for Turkeys was organized as a way to raise funds for the Food Bank during
Theatre Calgary’s holidayseason performances of A Christmas Carol. “A Christmas Carol is all about feeding other people — spiritually, or with food,” says Coutts. “So they thought it would be a great collaboration between Theatre Calgary and the Calgary food bank.” Coutts says Jumpstart was brought on board as a supporter and to date, its share of funds raised through Toonies for Turkeys is about $384,000, though she expects it to top $400,000 once the final tally for 2012 is in. “The money went directly to hampers that were
given out at Christmas If you think of undernourwhen we include those ished children trying to play little extras like turkeys,” says Coutts. “It’s a time of sports — it’s so much more year when everyone sees challenging. all the abundance and if you can’t share in that, it’s pretty hard.” nourished children trying Now in its 30th year, She says the food bank to play sports — it’s so and recently relocated to a sends out more than 5,200 new facility, the food bank’s much more challenging. hampers Good, solid nutrition is mission aligns each year. well with Jump- valuable to growth and beanadian FILE The ing able to participate fully. start’s mandate CANADIAN TIRE EMPLOYEES: 68,000 funds “Organizations (like of giving kids a YEARS IN CANADA: 91 were also Jumpstart) are the lifeblood chance to take LOCATIONS: 488 stores used for of a food bank.” part in healthy COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support includes: Jumpstart buying activities, says (national charitable campaign milk for Coutts. helped 58,000 kids), Pedal for teens and Kids, fosters employee engage“Out of ment and environmental children. 136,000 people D.D. (Dolores) Coutts, manager of practices. “We who come to communications and development can’t wait us every year, 43 for the Calgary Inter-Faith Food for donated milk — it has Bank, says without local support per cent of them are kids,” the bank wouldn’t be able to help to be fresh milk and fresh she says. families in need.— Don Molyneaux (baby) formula,” she says. “If you think of underphoto
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Even during the economic uncertainty of the last five years, Canadian companies have not cut back on the amount of investment they keep pouring into their communities. This is just one of many notable findings from the Conference Board of Canada’s first national survey of corporate community investment activity, released in April. The Canadian Community Investment Benchmarking Report covered 180 companies that represent a third of all corporate philanthropy in Canada — estimated at $2.5 billion dollars. In 2011, these companies alone contributed $710 million to their communities. “This overview looked at how companies give — where the investments go and some of the motivations behind it,” says Mike Meadows, director of corporate engagement and membership at Imagine Canada. “Canadian companies are an integral element of communities across the country and contribute significantly in many ways to the sustainability of our standard of living and quality of life.” He says over the last five years, 85 per cent of companies either held the line in community investment budgets or increased them.
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by barbara balfour
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henever Chantal Chenard needs a burst of confidence before walking into a patient’s room for the first time, she draws upon her experiences attending summer camp with the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation. Now a nurse in the general surgery unit at the Foothills Medical Centre, Chenard attended the 10-day summer programs for youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds between the ages of 12 to 17. Part of the experience included six-night canoe trips where they strategically packed and carried their own gear from one lake to another – sometimes crossing three lakes in one day. “It’s physically challenging and mentally exhausting, and not everyone can do it. Being with the same people in the middle of
From 4 “It’s the litmus test,” says Meadows. “If a company says (community investment) is a part of its corporate values and traditions, it doesn’t toss that overboard in bad times.” The survey also reveals that employees are becoming a key driver of that activity. Companies are deliberately engaging their employees and sharing the responsibility through a variety of tools like donation committees and matching gift programs. In the past, community investment was mostly a management decision, says Meadows.
nowhere for six days really pushed us to our limits,” says Chenard, now 22 and transferring those skills into her nursing career. “Organizing patient workload, completing tasks on time, working towards a goal, conflict resolution — my experiences at work are mirrored by my camp experiences. Taking that moment to be afraid, think rationally step by step, and go with your gut – I’m able to do all that as a result of going to camp.” More than 180,000 children have attended these camps since the Foundation was established in 1974. Each Tim Hortons’ restaurant sponsors two children every year to attend the camps, which include two separate programs for nine- to 12-year-olds and 13- to
While the number one way companies give is through cash donations, this is followed by sponsorship and marketing contributions, in-kind services, goods or resources and employee volunteerism. Civic and community organizations receive the most, followed by health care, higher education, and culture and the arts. Today, employee volunteerism is the fourth most common community investment activity. “Companies supporting employees who volunteer on their own time with certain organizations might, for instance, make a donation in their name to the program of their choice. It’s an
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Camps change kids’ lives
C be positive contributors in their community. “We work on things like building relationships, understanding the consequences of their actions, gaining hope and optimism, and understanding what persistence looks like. “Many of our campers go on to live a different reality as adults than anyone in their family prior to them had realized.” Today, Chenard is a graduate of the University of Calgary’s nursing program, thanks to a $3,000 annual bursary which all graduates of the Tim Horton leadership program receive toward
their post-secondary education. She is engaged to be married and excited about the future. “I’ve always known my future goals — to start a family, be independent and have a career,” she says. “I didn’t always know if this was achievable but I’m so grateful this is turning out so well for me. “Look at where I have gotten in such a short time.”
if a company says (community investment) is a part of its corporate values and traditions, it doesn’t toss that overboard in bad times.
versity is launching Canada’s first Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership degree and graduate diploma program. They received double the number of applications expected. “Everyone told us this is the right time to do this,” says Phillips. “I think corporate philanthropy is changing enormously. I think we don’t yet fully understand the strategies, motives, and ways in which effectiveness can be enhanced. We can be even more creative if we really put some effort into understanding that broad spectrum of activity we loosely call corporate philanthropy.”
18-year-olds. They also support a group-oriented program targeting schools and service groups in low-income communities. “What we have built is based on comprehensive research on what it means to be growing up in an economically disadvantaged home,” says Heather Bates, senior manager of program development for the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation. “If we can support them in becoming responsible, caring and motivated, they will be more apt to see economic success, go on to post-secondary education and
example of how a company can invest in what I believe in as an individual,” says Meadows. “It also helps opens the eyes of their employees to many of the needs in an organization that they were not aware of. This can extend a charity’s reach in ways they hadn’t imagined.” The definition of corporate philanthropy is changing as we know it, and it’s important to ensure it covers a range of things
— not simply giving donations to charities and non-profits, says Susan Phillips, director of Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration. “Corporate knowledge and expertise are also extremely important – in-kind contributions of talent would cost organizations a lot more if they had to buy these services,” says Phillips. This summer, Carleton Uni-
Tim Horton Children’s Foundation has sent more than 180,000 children to camp since it was established. — Courtesy, Tim Horton Children’s Foundation
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When Canadian businesses are successful, they give back to the communities they serve by supporting local charities, cultural associations, etc. — buycanadianfirst.ca
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