Ribbons raise awareness
A Powell River business owner is organizing an event to raise awareness of child sexual abuse. Maxine Van Brabant, the owner of Black Tie Pastries, explained her campaign at the May 19 City of Powell River committee-of-the-whole meeting. She told councillors that in light of the ongoing court case involving charges of child pornography against three people, she decided to initiate an awareness campaign about child sexual abuse as a whole. “We know it’s out there and it’s so common, but people aren’t really aware of how common it is,” she said. “I’m hoping a few ribbons go up and people ask about them.”
People will hang pink and blue ribbons on the fence at Larry Gouthro Park on Manson Avenue. The event starts at 1 pm on Sunday, June 5. The ribbons represent both genders. People who wish to stay anonymous can call Van Brabant and ask her to tie one to the fence for them.
As well, Van Brabant is preparing a placard that will explain the ribbons. She said Bill Reid, director of parks, recreation and culture, has given permission for the event and the placard. Van Brabant invited city councillors and staff to attend the event.
The campaign highlights how many victims of child sexual abuse there are and also lets the public share their support for victims who they may know. Van Brabant said she has invited other communities to participate as well. “Hopefully more communities will pick up on it and it will go right across the nation,” she said.
The ribbons will be distributed at the event. Afterwards, they will be available at Black Tie Pastries or at the RCMP Community Policing Office in the Town Centre Mall.
Interested readers can contact Van Brabant at 604.485.3814.
iPhone app first
As part of the company’s 29th anniversary celebration, Vancouver Island grocer Quality Foods (QF) has implemented a unique phone app, now available for a free download on the App Store.
QF app allows customers to activate any of several special offers on their iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, and receive the special deal instantly at the checkout of any QF store.
“This is a first for the food industry in Canada, or anywhere as far as we know,” said Ken Schley, director of operations. “What’s unique about the QF app is that it seamlessly communicates special deals from the customer’s smart phone directly to the checkout. Each customer’s selected offers are unique to their Q-Card number. No other retailer has done that.”
Schley says the app is very quick and easy to install on the App Store and it works with all versions of the iPhone. For now, a web-based mobile version for Blackberry, Android and other smart phones is available on www.qualityfoods.com. The company hopes to add the QF App to the Blackberry App World in the next few months.
“So far we are finding that the number one use for the QF App is checking each day’s Appy Hour special,” Schley said. “Once shoppers are there, they discover some of the amazing special deals they can activate, and begin to use the app more often.”
He added, “With the offers changing frequently, people can save a lot of money on items they purchase every day, and then watch their Q-Points balance grow. Other features will be added as we go.”
This is the latest in several grocery industry firsts for the QF group. It pioneered its own loyalty rewards program with the Q-Card in 1990, online shopping in 1997 and then in 2004, came on the scene with My Daily Special where customers could select non-advertised items and receive special pricing at the checkout.
Postal negotiations
Talks continue between Canada Post and postal workers this week, ruling out any potential for a strike. If there is a strike or lockout, delivery could stop on Monday, May 30. Under labour laws, each side has to give 72 hours’ notice before beginning a strike or lockout.
Major issues for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers include wages and benefits, staffing levels and working conditions. The union represents about 50,000 urban postal workers and negotiations to reach a new collective agreement began last fall.
Canada Post rejected the union’s latest contract proposal on Tuesday, saying the offer would increase labour costs by $1.4 billion. It then made a counter-proposal, saying there’s enough time to reach a deal.
The two sides were back at the bargaining table on Wednesday, which meant there was no job action on May 25, 26 or 27.
