The residents of New Westminster are full of ideas about creative ways to build community - sometimes all it takes is a little boost to make those ideas a reality.
That's where ONE Prize comes in.
ONE Prize is an initiative started up by River Market and Donald's Market. Its premise is simple: When ONE members shop at Donald's, the customer gets one per cent off purchases and the store contributes one per cent of each dollar spent to the ONE Prize fund. At the end of the year, the money is turned into grants for community-building projects, and residents are invited to apply for one of the grants.
This year, the program received 35 applications - a number that has been whittled down to a shortlist of 10. Now, ONE members have a chance to vote on which three projects will receive grants of $2,000 each.
The shortlisted projects (see sidebar below) run the gamut from a riverside concert series to night markets, a pop-up gallery and a program designed to reduce food waste and feed the hungry.
"We keep our criteria very broad," says Leslie Shieh, project planner for River Market. "Just as long as your idea is good and it's achievable and it's beneficial. It's 'What do I think this city needs? What would make it more awesome?'"
Linda Chen, store manager of Donald's Market, notes it's a customer loyalty program with a difference: a truly hands-on way to help the community.
"It's very meaningful that we're actually doing this," she says, noting it's different than the store simply offering donations. Because the pool of money is a collective one, and the customers get to vote on the winners, it becomes a very community-focused endeavour from start to finish. "You get to see that you actually make a difference."
Though the proposals are diverse, they are united by one common theme: a desire to build an even better community.
"All the projects are for making New West a better place," Shieh says.
ONE members now have two weeks - from April 15 to April 30 - to vote on the shortlisted projects, and the three winners will be announced after that.
Check out www.rivermarket.ca/programs/oneprize for more.
And the finalists are ...
Music by the River: The Arts Council of New Westminster wants to showcase local musicians in a series of concerts by the river.
Night Bright New West: Night Bright proposes a series of two to four summer night market events at the downtown parkade.
The-ear-tre: The-ear-tre proposes site-specific "Podplays," where local youth would create site-specific theatrical experiences in the form of a guided tour for their listeners.
Special Summer Series: This series proposes outdoor electronic music concerts in Westminster Pier Park, featuring a mix of live bands, DJs, producers and artists.
A Day in the Life of Our New West Waterfront: This project proposes a video to document the happenings, sights and sounds of the river and the waterfront in one day at the Quay and on the river.
Refood: This social enterprise would take excess or "defective" produce from local vendors and turn it into healthy lunches for homeless people and elementary school students.
Riverfront Pumptrack: This project proposes a pump track - a smooth and contoured trail made of hard-packed dirt that includes features like ups and downs and bermed/banked corners - at Pier Park.
Falls Finest New West: This two-day celebration of the harvest would bring together farmers, artisans, food makers, entertainers and spectators for an all-ages festival of food.
Sixth Street Popup and Gallery: This gallery is working to bring temporary "pop-up" shows featuring local artists, in group and solo exhibits, to a downtown New West space.
Leave Troubles Behind: This public art installation would encourage people to "leave their troubles" on a chalkboard wall through writing or drawing.
