Gigantic Nanaimo Bar campaign raises $10,000 for VIU

Ralph Nilson, President and Vice Chancellor of Vancouver Island University (VIU) joined Jerry Jaggers, Brooks Landing Store Manager, at the company’s third Nanaimo location to accept a donation of $10,000 toward the construction of traditional Coast Salish Shq'apthut: A Gathering Place at the Nanaimo campus.

“Shq'apthut provides a highly visible and positive presence for Aboriginal culture on campus, and will act as a welcoming area for students as well as all members of our community,” said Nilson.

“Thrifty Foods' ongoing support of the project allows us to embrace traditional Coast Salish heritage while highlighting our desire to provide environmentally sustainable systems - such as a green roof and rainwater retention pond in the LEED-designed longhouse.”

Thrifty Foods' Nanaimo Bar Fundraiser ran from December 1 to 14 as part of the grand opening celebration of the Brooks Landing Thrifty Foods store. One hundred per cent of Nanaimo Bar sales from all three Thrifty Foods Nanaimo locations were donated toward the construction of The Gathering Place project on VIU's Nanaimo campus.

“In the last two years, Thrifty Foods - along with contributions from our staff and customers - have raised a total of $28,500 for VIU,” said Jim Dores. “Projects like Shq'apthut represent our continued commitment to participate and contribute to the well-being of our communities.”

As a strong supporter of sustainable, local and BC fresh products, K'ómoks-owned and operated Pentlatch Seafoods joined the celebration to serve customers warm Komo Gway Rockerfeller oysters inside the store. Members of the K'ómoks First Nation K'umugwe Dancers also marked the occasion with a live performance.

From a single store opening in Victoria's Fairfield community in 1977, Thrifty Foods has grown, in 2011, to a chain of twenty-six locations throughout Vancouver Island and the BC Lower Mainland. Along the way, it has become Vancouver Island's largest private sector employer, with over 4,600 employees, and one of Canada's most respected grocery brands. Thrifty Foods is now a proud member of the Sobeys group of companies. For more information, visit http://www.thriftyfoods.com/