A local arts promoter has helped broker a deal with a local business on behalf of local community groups.
Tony Antonias was recently shopping at Buy-Low Foods in Westminster Centre, when he spotted a meeting space he thought would be beneficial to community members when parts of the New Westminster Public Library are closed for renovations.
“My suggestion is a very simple one: Get to know Buy-Low,” he said.
Antonias said Buy-Low Foods’ store manager Venicio De Bortoli is agreeable to allowing community groups to use the space at no charge while the library undergoes renovations. Buy-Low is in Westminster Centre at 555 Sixth St.
“Buy-Low Foods is here to support the community in more ways than helping to put food on the table,” he said in a press release.
The space is large enough to seat 15 people and is available at no charge seven days a week during store hours, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Anyone interested in using the space while the library is being renovated, can call De Bortoli or a supervisor at 604-524-0654 to book the room.
Buy-Low Foods is one of the places that’s agreed to provide meeting space to local community groups once renovations get underway in September, beginning in the basement, then moving to the second and main floors.
Updates on the renovation will be posted on the library’s website at www.nwpl.ca. It also lists alternative meetings spaces where community groups can meet when the library is off limits because of construction.
Bosley’s gives back
Local animals’ lives are a whole lot better thanks to the folks at Bosley’s by Pet Valu at Columbia Square.
“One of my goals when I opened my Bosley’s store was to become part of the community and to contribute to part of the community,” owner Karima Jivraj recently told city council. “In the six-years-and-three-months we have been here, we have been really, really lucky. We have had a lot of support from our customers and we have been making a contribution to the New Westminster Animal Shelter consistently.”
In April, the store did a fundraising drive for two animal shelters in the Lower Mainland and provided the local shelter with nearly $8,000 in cash and supplies. In June, Jivraj presented city council with a cheque for $3,837 for the New Westminster Animal Shelter.
“On behalf of my store and my customers and my staff and our vendors, I’d like to make a donation for the new shelter,” she said. “Our goal is that the new shelter have all the bells and whistles that every animal could hope for until they find a new home.”
Last year, Jivraj was nominated as Business Person of the Year in the Platinum Awards.
Mayor Jonathan Cote thanked Bosley's and all its supporters for their efforts in improving the lives of local animals.
“It does mean a lot to us. Your business and your partnership here really does show community spirit of yourselves, your store and all your customers,” he said. “It is so much appreciated.”
Happy anniversary
A number of New West businesses have recently celebrated milestones.
Fifteen years ago, Salve and Ed Dayao opened Java Jazz Café and Bistro at 412 Sixth St., with the goal of creating a place serving up food (including Filipino cuisine) and live jazz music. The couple left the Philippines in the mid-1970s, eventually settling in Vancouver where they were the in-house entertainment at the Westin Bayshore hotel for many years.
“Who would think we would survive the first 15 years?” Salve said. “We would like thank everyone who supported us all 15 years in the business.”
New Westminster's hometown brewery Steel & Oak celebrated its third birthday with an all-ages bash on July 9. The craft brewery, located at 1319 Third Ave., held a birthday party in its back parking lot that featured food, face painting, bouncy castles and beer.
B.C. Liquor stores accept donations
British Columbians wanting to support those impacted by wildfires burning in various parts of B.C. can make donations at any B.C. Liquor Store in the province.
Customers can contribute at the till, in increments of $2, $5 or multiples thereof, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross. The funds will help with costs of providing shelter, food and water for evacuees.
“Our partnership with B.C. Liquor Stores provides an easy way for people to reach out and help their fellow British Columbians affected by the fires,” Kimberley Nemrava, vice-president of the Canadian Red Cross, B.C. and Yukon,said in a press release. “Thank you to B.C. Liquor Stores and their customers for their support – these donations will help us provide on-the-ground efforts and emergency resources for those in need.”
In New Westminster, B.C. Liquor Stores are found at Columbia Square (1075 Columbia St.) and Royal Square (800 McBride Blvd.)
“The generosity and compassion shown by our customers and employees during times of crisis is something we are incredibility proud of – it is the foundation of our partnership with the Red Cross,” said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO of the Liquor Distribution Branch. “Our thoughts are with all British Columbians, and their family and friends, who are impacted by the current wildfire situation.”
Chamber unveils new website
If you visit the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce’s website, you’ll notice it is sporting a new look.
The chamber recently launched a new version of its website that’s designed to help it remain relevant to its members in the business community and build on its ability to promote business and share information. The website is a place where members can review the full list of upcoming events and people can buy tickets for its events.
Check it out at http://newwestchamber.wildapricot.org/
