TMCnet News
Farm Boy Marks Opening of 10th Store in 25th Year With Special CHEO Announcement(CCNMatthews (English) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - June 14, 2007) - Farm Boy Inc. (Farm Boy), a locally owned food retailer specializing in quality fresh foods, complimentary specialty items and exceptional customer service, opened a new store at Kanata Signature Centre today, and underscored the occasion of its tenth store opening in twenty-five years of business with a special CHEO announcement. Councillor Marianne Wilkinson joined Farm Boy President Donny Milito to officiate the opening and cut the ribbon along with Farm Boy owners Jean-Louis, Normand and Daniel Bellemare, and Store Manager Tim LaPlante. "Classic values and a strong sense of community steer our success", explained Donny Milito, President of Farm Boy. "We work hard every day to provide the best foods, best service and competitive prices in a clean, attractive store setting, and we are excited to begin serving the Kanata North and surrounding communities." The new Kanata Signature Centre store occupies over 24,000 square feet at 499 Terry Fox Drive and features Farm Boy's newest full service department, Chef Prepared, where in-store chefs create restaurant-quality food, which is affordably priced, to take home and enjoy. "I'm really excited about our Chef Prepared department", said Mr. Milito. "When life puts us on-the-run, it's great to have healthy and nutritious prepared foods as an alternative to fast-food." In addition to serving its community of customers, Farm Boy has worked closely over the past nine years with the professionals and volunteers at CHEO to help raise much-needed funds for this valued community institution. The occasion of Farm Boy's 10th store opening was chosen to launch a very special project for the hospital. Kevin Keohane, Vice President of Development & Corporate Relations for CHEO Foundation was on hand this morning to receive a $70,000 cheque presented by Mr. Milito on behalf of Farm Boy owners, staff, suppliers and customers. The money will be used to begin construction of a new outdoor fresh-air, exercise and play area for CHEO patients of all ages. The Farm Boy Fun Park, so named by CHEO patients who participated in a naming contest, will include a modern multi-age play structure, a gazebo, mini basketball court and soccer 'kick' board. "Fresh air and exercise are an essential part of the healing process for so many of our kids", explains Pelle Stenbring, CHEO Physiotherapist. "We need a safe and fun outdoor space for kids to move and jump and have been talking about a basketball court for years. This is truly a dream come true for me." Child Life Specialist Michele Tache added, "For teens to have a place to just chill and be with other teens is wonderful. Sitting under the gazebo, listening to music and catching up with visiting friends can do wonders for a teenage patient who has been missing home." Mr. Keohane summed up the sentiment with, "I have never seen the staff so excited about a new addition to the hospital because they know what it will mean to so many kids." In closing, Farm Boy's Mr. Milito said "We are up for the challenge of raising even more funds to complete this project along with the purchase of a new Metabolic Cart with ECG/stress system, and I want to credit the ongoing fundraising initiatives spearheaded by Farm Boy's Employee Fundraising Committee and the contributions of staff, suppliers and customers. There is amazing goodwill in our community...simply amazing." A charity BBQ with proceeds to CHEO will be held at the Kanata Signature Centre store today between 11:00 and 2:00. About Farm Boy Inc. Farm Boy is a locally owned food retailer recognized for its produce, meat, bakery deli, and dairy product offerings. Incorporated in 1981, the Company provides a unique shopping experience in comparison to big box retailers or traditional grocers. Additionally, Farm Boy produces its own line of Private Label Products consisting of value-priced products, but with strict adherence to high-quality guidelines. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, the Company presently has ten (10) stores in the Greater Ottawa and Cornwall regions. Visit www.farmboy.ca for additional information. Contact: Fiona HennessyFarm Boy Inc.Director, Marketing613-247-1007 ext. [email protected] 2006 - CCNMatthews |