A fundraiser for the Sooke Food Bank has staff at Home Hardware reminiscing about a longtime volunteer who left an indelible impression on the community in a variety of ways
"People who make a donation to the Sooke Food Bank are entered into a draw to win one of three really cool items," said Sabrina Stewart, who works at Home Hardware as a cashier and in sales.
"My grandfather, Grumps as we called him, was a longtime volunteer and supporter of the food bank," she explained. "He passed away last year, so this is a nice way to honour his legacy."
Home Hardware colleague Vicki Anderson knew Gerry Saint Laurent for many years and said he would have approved of the fundraiser.
"I miss Gerry a lot," she said. "He meant so much to everyone here and so many people in the community."
The fundraiser kicked off with a bake sale on Friday, Oct. 18, and will continue until Friday, Oct. 25, and features a discounted selection of seasonal items, with proceeds going to the food bank.
Helping the food bank and other supportive initiatives in the community is an important part of the staff's focus, said Rheanne Artindale, the store's social media manager.
"The food bank is struggling due to increased demand," she noted.
Store manager Terry Eriksen said it's nice to see staff in their teens and early 20s who are instilled with a sense of community and recognize the importance of giving back.
