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Grocery Store shows support through Action Fund

'The support has left us one less thing to worry about which during these times means a lot'
20200425 sobeys
Sobeys on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay. Photo by Leah Dawson.
Paul Belanger has been very busy at Sobeys on Algonquin Avenue in North Bay. 
 
But the local store manager says they realize not everyone is in that same position during the pandemic.  
 
Because of that, the grocery store chain has started a new program called the Sobeys Community Action Fund.  Locally, four organizations will be receiving financial support including the North Bay Food Bank, the Emergency Homeless Shelter, VON's Meals on Wheels along with Hillcrest Cabinets.  
 
 
The local cabinet company got attention early on in the pandemic as one of the first local businesses to focus on making personal protective equipment for frontline workers in the area.  

"After learning that Hillcrest Cabinets founder, Justin Lahaie, was creating face shields to protect Canadians with his own money, the Sobeys Algonquin team wanted to get involved and provide financial support to ensure Justin’s family wouldn’t have to compromise their own security to keep the community safe," said Belanger. 

Lahaie, says they have very much appreciated the support from Sobeys. 

"The support has left us one less thing to worry about which during these times means a lot," said Lahaie. 

Lahaie says the pandemic has put the business in a difficult spot.  

"The mandatory business closures forced us to stop installing our upcoming jobs," said Lahaie.  

Belanger says they are so proud to be able to give back in this way since the community has been showing them so much support.  

 

"We’ve always had an incredible relationship with our customers in this community, and we have always been proud to serve them – but now more than ever, our customers have told us loud and clear how much they appreciate all of our hard work and support," he said. 

"During these challenging times, it’s important that as a community we look out for each other. The Community Action Fund gives us the opportunity to provide support right in our own backyard, helping people who need it most right now."

On a national level, the Sobeys Community Action Fund has provided immediate relief to 22 vital food-based organizations and dozens of community organizations across the country.

 

Officials say in just a few short weeks, Sobeys has injected millions of dollars back into Canadian communities.

With files from CKAT


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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