Families, friends and fans gathered at Hollywood Park on April 13 to cheer on young athletes at the Beacon Hill Little League opening day, and thanks to Thrifty Foods Fairfield, they had even more reason to celebrate.
The Thrifty Foods played a major role in this year’s festivities, stepping up as a sponsor to support the opening ceremonies and help make the day a home run.
“Supporting local is part of who we are,” says Thrifty Foods Fairfield assistant store manager Dave McGregor. “Beacon Hill Little League has been a cornerstone of youth sports in this neighbourhood for decades. We’re proud to be part of that tradition.”
The annual event marks the official start of the season for the league, which has served young ball players in Victoria since 1953. This year’s celebration included team introductions, food and fundraising activities, and of course, the first games of the season.
Gudmundson, who was at the park with staff to help kick off the ceremonies, says community partnerships like this are at the heart of the store’s values.
“We don’t just work here – we live here,” he says. “Many of our team members have kids who play in the league or grew up playing here themselves. So for us, this is personal.”
Located in the Fairfield Plaza , just a few blocks from the ballpark, Thrifty Foods is known for its neighbourly service and involvement in local causes. In addition to sponsoring events like opening day, the store regularly donates to schools, charities and food programs in the Fairfield and James Bay area.
That spirit of giving back was on full display throughout the day, as volunteers, parents and players connected over food and community. “It means a lot to the kids to know the community is behind them,” McGregor says. “It helps them feel like what they’re doing matters.”
While the sponsorship helped cover some of the costs of the day, the real impact, McGregor says, is in building relationships.
“Whether it’s a fresh apple or a bag of hotdog buns, we’re always looking for ways to contribute. But more than that, we want to show up. We want to be visible. That’s how you build and maintain a real community.”
To learn more about Thrifty Foods and its community programs, visit thriftyfoods.com.