5 B.C. businesses and others doing good during COVID-19: Nicola Valley makes nice and much more

Our weekly series celebrates organizations that are stepping up to help others.

Our weekly series celebrates organizations that are stepping up to help others

Hot weather and summer evenings have us reminiscent of patio drinks and summer BBQs with our friends and family. As businesses and public places continue to test the waters by slowly re-opening their businesses, we continue to look for stand-out examples of those who are making a difference in the B.C. business community. In the recent months, we have celebrated businesses for their contributions and donations to COVID-19 relief funds, Black Lives Matter Support, and now the Vancouver Pride Society. There have been countless examples of local businesses that have stepped up to the plate in support of another. If you know a business or group of individuals who have gone beyond their call to action to support the BC community—send us an email and tell us more. Thank you to all those who continue to set an example for our community and work towards a better tomorrow. To everyone continuing to find ways to support their community, man the frontlines, and move forward amidst the pandemic – we support you, and thank you. 

Oakwyn Realty

Vancouver real estate brokerage Oakwyn realty has had the honour of marching in the Vancouver Pride Parade for the past three years. In response to the cancelation of the parade this year, Oakwyn has committed to charity by creating a line of exclusive Pride-themed Nalgene water bottles. A portion of proceeds will go toward supporting the LGBTQIA+ community so that you can stay hydrated while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from these bottles will go to supporting two local Vancouver charities—QMUNITY and Out in Schools. Purchase a bottle of your own and quench your thirst during this month’s PRIDE celebrations.

Mr. Mike’s

It’s been 60 years since the first Mr. Mike’s restaurant opened on Granville Street in Vancouver. Mr. Mike’s restaurants will be celebrating this milestone by hosting community BBQs with all proceeds to be donated to select local charities in the communities they are hosted in. These BBQs will be taking place throughout the summer months at key locations across Canada. In addition to this, Mr. Mike’s is also offering its guests the opportunity to receive six free Classic Mikeburgers when they purchase $60 in gift cards in-store. This act of community giving comes at a time where many restaurants and small businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Mr. Mike’s, as with most restaurants, has had to pivot its business in recent months to continue servicing customers. Mr. Mike’s is proud to be able to give back to its community and customers who have supported them through this difficult time.

Experience Nicola Valley

Many BC communities are stuck in limbo, waiting for their tourism associations to provide solutions regarding the drop as a result of COVID-19. In response to this situation, a group of locals and volunteers in Merritt have taken matters into their own hands with a new awareness campaign, Experience Nicola Valley. The program provides small communities real-time tools, platforms, and training sessions—enabling locals to create quality authentic stories and experiences via a “Living” website, blog site, and live talk show. To date, the program has created over 180+ blogs, 60+ website pages, 4 social media channels, and 8 live talk show episodes featuring tourism activities, small businesses, nonprofits, events, and more. In doing so, they have captured over 600+ new top 10 search results on Google for top community and regional keyword phrases. This volunteer community engagement effort has brought the community together to ensure a better, stronger future. 

Association for Mineral Exploration

The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME), in partnership with Integra Resources, is proud to announce a $100,000 donation to Food Banks BC on behalf of the British Columbia mining and exploration community. These funds will provide targeted relief to those living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities who are facing food security challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in early June, over 50 donations (individual and corporate) were received as part of the #MiningFeedsBC Food Bank challenge, where participants were called on to share their favourite mining meal memory and make a donation to Food Banks BC. ASE would like to give a big thank you to Wheaton Precious Metals for their $50,000 donation as well as a personal donation by Wheaton’s President &CEO, Randy Smallwood.

Stanley Park Brewing

Stanley Park beers are brewed for everyone, no matter who or how they love. To show their support, Stanley Park is proud to be a silver partner for the 2020 PRIDE event. As part of the partnership, Stanley Park Brewing has been participating in Drag Deliveries, bringing the parade to the people! Starting July 27th and continuing every day after until August 1st, Vancouver Pride will be driving through Vancouver to deliver swag bags and prizes. The swag bags are free to recipients and help invite and encourage participation in this year’s virtual parade. The event will be live-streamed through the Vancouver Pride Society Keep an eye out for the socially distant deliveries and some of the Drag Queens with big packages!