Editor:
As stated in their announcement, Buy Low Foods in White Rock will be closing Sept. 30 “due to the redevelopment of the White Rock Town Centre.”
I am writing this letter to thank Mike Brown, manager, and his staff for their 33 years of service and to recognize publicly some of the many ways they went beyond being just an economically successful business in White Rock.
I first started dropping in to Buy Low on my way home from work to pick up just a couple of items but soon became aware of the community spirit that was Buy Low and from that a regular customer.
I saw cashiers who, with a smile and a couple of friendly comments, left their registers to help pack groceries into walkers and scooters of those who needed assistance. Many Mothers’ Days while stopping by Buy Low, I received, as did many other mothers and grandmothers, a bouquet from Mike with a warm “Happy Mother’s Day.”
A young woman who worked with youth through Peace Arch Community Services – now Sources – often did extra hours with street youth and told me she had asked Mike if Buy Low would contribute a few things for a barbecue for the youth in a local park. Mike told her to put what she needed into a grocery cart and he would meet her at the cash register. She and the kids had a wonderful couple of hours together with the food that Buy Low donated.
When society was made aware of the danger of plastic, Buy Low didn’t start charging for bags; they passed out free, sturdy, washable, reusable bags to their customers.
When White Rock was faced with a boil-water advisory a couple of years ago following the Five Corners’ fire, Buy Low supplied White Rock citizens with free packs of bottled water.
When the Kent Street Choristers held their BC Chorfest event this past spring, Buy Low supplied flowers to decorate the many tables used to feed the hundreds of visiting singers.
Buy Low has exemplified great community spirit.
I don’t know what gains will be made in our community by the current trend of development, but I do know some of what will be lost.
Thank you to Buy Low, to Mike and to his staff for helping to make White Rock a happy, caring and welcoming place to live over the years.
Joyce Key, White Rock