For 99 years, Otter Co-op has been embedded in the Lower Mainland, serving the community not just through groceries and gas, but also through regular contributions to local charities and community groups. So when flooding disrupted day-to-day life in mid-November, the Otter Co-op was ready to lend a hand.
“We’re that trusted partner in the community — people know that their donations are going to get through to the people who need it most, and we’re already connected to local charities, businesses and community groups,” says Jack Nicholson, CEO of Otter Co-op.
Community comes together to support flood victims
Right now, there are donation boxes at all tills of Otter Co-op and Angry Otter Liquor locations, where customers can contribute to Canadian Red Cross flood relief efforts. Both the Otter Co-op and Federated Co-operatives Limited have pledged to match donations up to $10,000. That means if the community contributes $10,000, a total of $30,000 will go to flood recovery!
“It’s fantastic to see the community coming together. Customers have reached out, channeling donations through the Co-op to those impacted by flooding.”
Parallel Food Store Manager Grant helped drop off Hunger Bags to the Archway Food Bank of Abbotsford, and Otter Co-op has organized animal feed donations as well. It’s all-hands-on deck to ensure local residents have groceries and prescriptions, growers have supplies, transport and storage, and Otter Co-op employees are safe and dry.
“Three of our locations were impacted by road closures and had to close, and as soon as the roads re-opened we got to work on re-stocking the shelves. Of course since our staff live locally, many of them were personally affected by the flooding, but we were determined to get the team back together and re-open as soon as it was safe,” Nicholson says.
Community first, for nearly 100 years
Flood relief is just the latest in a long line of community causes for Otter Co-op. In this last year, they’ve donated over $407,000 to support their surrounding communities and initiatives, on top of their local-first approach to doing business.
The Otter board is made up of community members who work to benefit their local regions, which is why each location is unique in its offerings to best serve those around them and bring value back into the community. The money you spend goes back into the community 100 per cent and supports the people and businesses around you, right here in Abbotsford.
Find Otter Co-op’s Food Store in Mt. Lehman and East Abbotsford, where you’ll find fresh local produce and unique artisanal treats from right here in Abbotsford. No membership required!