Thrifty Foods James Bay continued its long-standing commitment to fostering food security and youth development with a recent donation to the BGC of South Vancouver Island. BGC South Vancouver Island
“We've supported families struggling with food security for several years now,” says Daryl Fediw, the store manager.
“It's important to us that kids not only have food during their time at BGC but also have something to take home.”
Thrifty Foods places great importance on nurturing the community's youth. “The biggest thing is our future, which is the youth,” Fediw says.
“It's important to support them because they could be our future leaders. Just because they are struggling right now doesn't mean they won't be some of our most prominent people in the future.”
Thrifty Foods’ involvement goes beyond financial support. The store actively ensures that the food provided is nutritious and fresh, a key concern for Fediw.
“As a food retailer, we're committed to providing the freshest and most nutritious food to everyone. Being able to offer fresh food makes our support even more significant."
The partnership with BGC is not just a corporate responsibility for Thrifty Foods, it’s a personal mission. "Anywhere we can help out, we try to support them as best we can," Fediw says.
“It's something that hits home for us too. We have staff who have struggled with these issues, especially in these challenging economic times.”
“I've been with Thrifty Foods for 30 years, and we've always been involved in as many community events as possible,” Fediw says. “It's about doing the right thing. When someone needs help, we help them out. If we're in a position to help, we have to.”
Fediw encourages his staff to choose charities that matter to them, especially programs that provide essential resources to children and their families. Initiative address immediate food needs and contribute to the long-term well-being and development of youth in the community. “What I do is pick charities that are important to my staff. Ultimately, if we help the community, we all benefit."
Fediw finds motivation in the daily interactions with the store’s customers, recognizing the grocery store as a hub of community life.
"We're tucked away behind the parliament building, and people can't get over the uniqueness of the community down here," Fediw adds. “Customers spend time here every day, and we have thousands of customers a month. Many of them are linked to our employees in some way, creating a two-way conversation.”
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