When Don Hay fields a request for a donation of funds, food or even time, the Central Saanich Thrifty Foods manager often understands immediately the importance of the request. Not only does he know many of his customers by name, his team is also committed to giving back locally, where they live and work.
The Saanich Therapeutic Riding Association is the perfect example. Providing therapeutic horseback riding for neurodivergent children and adults, the work of the longstanding local non-profit is close to the heart of many at the community grocer.
“Many of our employees have children on the spectrum or with other disabilities, and we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of this program," Hay reflects. "We also believe in supporting local," he adds. "For our store, we stick to Central Saanich, to ensure our contributions make a direct impact right here."
The Saanich Therapeutic Riding Association offers more than just riding lessons, it’s about wellness and healing and helping as many people as possible, any possible, anywhere from 4 to 84!
Beyond direct donations, the Central Saanich team also engages in hands-on volunteer work. "It depends on what the charity needs – money, food, or manpower.”
“We have for example donated our soil to the Farmlands Trust, a local charity which supplies fresh grown produce to those in need. This month we will be going out and weeding for them,” Hay says.
Through its partnership with the Saanich Peninsula hospital foundation, they provide food for the gift shop and support other initiatives, and they have a tradition of stocking freezers for The Hungarian Society, which lacks storage space.
"It's important for Thrifty Foods to support charity. We need to be good corporate citizens. We are a business, but it's important that people know they can reach out to us. We want to be a known place that supports the community we are in."
Nestled in the heart of Saanichton, the family-like atmosphere sets Thrifty Foods Central Saanich apart, “I love this store. Being on an island, it has a special feeling – it's still kind of isolated, which I love. It's a family area, and I see the same people three or four times a week. I know most of my customers by name,” Hay says.
“We want to build that connection and trust with our community, so whatever someone needs, we try to help," Hay notes.
The sense of community is a significant motivator for both Hay and his team. "I love the people I work with. Every day is different, and every day brings new challenges. I've never had two days the same," he adds. “The people I work with and the people who shop here make it all worthwhile.”
Visit Thrifty Foods Central Saanich in Saanichton at 7860 Wallace Dr., welcoming shoppers daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit thriftyfoods.com and follow them on Facebook for the latest news, new products and events!