The global spread of COVID-19 has caused the need to increase hygiene, cancel social events and practice social distancing. We’re here to share a little light during these uncertain times by highlighting a few local businesses who have been doing incredible things for our community.
Despite facing financial uncertainty and major disruption, the following list of local businesses have emerged as leaders in Vancouver and Victoria.
Tackling the Impact of COVID-19
Rootside Soda
Rootside Soda has launched Operation: Sips for Tips, where $7 of every bottle sold is donated to Victoria hospitality workers. Those working in the hospitality industry are heavily impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 as many restaurants and cafés have had to close their doors. Shop online to help Rootside Soda reach their goal of providing $100 to 50 people in need.
Hanai Family Table
Hanai Family Table, the Vancouver-based Hawaiian style catering company, is helping small food businesses by offering to buy out their remaining meat and produce that would otherwise go to waste due to closures. Next, they plan to make community meals out of all the food to sell at-cost, with no profit. Check out their IG for more information.
Ruth and Dean
Ruth & Dean is both a bakery and a restaurant, with two locations in Victoria. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve set up a free meal service program to seniors in need. Hot soup is available for contactless pickup at their Estevan location. Check out their Instagram for more information about how to get involved.
Aritzia
Vancouver-based fashion brand Aritzia is committed to taking care of their people during the COVID-19 outbreak. Monday, March 16, their retail locations closed and their community relief fund was established. Despite the closure of their retail locations, their online store can be used to make purchases. All of their profits will go to the community relief fund which will be used to support their internal team, their overseas partners, and the families of their team.
Maple Organics
Maple Organics is donating their own plant-based hand sanitizer to elderly care homes and others in need. In their latest Instagram Post, they’re calling on the community to help fulfill their mission. They need people to give financial support, to help package the bottles, and to help deliver the hand sanitizer to shelters, care homes, and various Vancouver homes. This is your opportunity to help!
Fatso Peanut Butter
Despite facing a severe financial hit as a result of COVID-19, Fatso is showing up for the community. According to a recent Instagram Post, they’re donating over $10,000 worth of product to Vancouver and Victoria food banks. As a result, vulnerable populations can continue to access peanut butter, which is in high demand as more and more people begin to socially distance. Amazing.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats is doing incredible work supporting independently owned restaurants by waiving their delivery fees and also supporting health care workers by offering them free meals. To date, Uber Eats has pledged over 300,000 meals to health care workers.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons is on the move, bringing free coffee to people working on the frontlines. Their first stop was St. Michael’s hospital in Toronto, and they plan to continue creating an impact in other Canadian communities. In a recent Instagram post they wrote, “Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and hospital employees working hard to keep us safe!”
Victoria Distillers and Nezza Naturals
According to an article from Victoria Buzz, Victoria Distillers have teamed up with Nezza Naturals to supply frontline workers with free hand sanitizer during a supply shortage. Recipients are nurses, grocery store workers, clinics, care homes, shelters, food banks and other essential services. Victoria Distillers contributes an alcohol by-product and Nezza Naturals uses their own recipe to blend a sanitizer that’s 70% alcohol – the recommended strength.
Fable Diner
All hungry front-line workers check this out! Fable Diner in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Vancouver is offering a 40% discount for health care workers and first responders on their take-out. To qualify for the discount, front-line workers must show their ID badge or pay stub. Call in advance or orders can also be emailed. Check out their IG for more information.
Melanie Auld Jewellery
Melanie Auld Jewellery is spreading joy by doing something special for those who are helping the community in their “Good Vibes Initiative“. To recognize the hard work and sacrifice of all the volunteers, health care providers and front line workers, they are selecting a few outstanding individuals this month and delivering a special package to them to recognize their work. Do you have someone in mind who has been going above and beyond to help others during this time? Nominate them on IG.
Lauren Mycroft Art
Local Victoria visual artist Lauren Mycroft launches her newest series “Hide and Seek” and pledges to donate 10% of profits to the Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre. The donation will go towards purchasing grocery gift cards to help families in need. Check out her IG for more details.
Metropol
According to their latest Instagram Post, Metropol is determined to keep the city of Victoria “vivid, bright and alive” by calling on submissions of art from local artists. Their regular service includes postering downtown Victoria’s telephone poles with upcoming events. With most community events being postponed or cancelled, they plan to print and post submitted works of art instead, free of charge.
