Every year, the Edmonton-based Grower Direct organization encourages its franchisees across the country to set aside a day for fundraising in support of a local charity. This year, Grower Direct’s franchisees Richard and Lynn Billings chose to donate their fundraising efforts to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Winnipeg. Richard Billings notes that he and Lynn consulted a sister franchisee in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, who suggested that the Billings support a youth-oriented program.
The Billings joined the Grower Direct team three years ago.
“We considered a number of different businesses,” says Richard, a former management consultant. “We liked what Grower Direct had to offer.”
On Friendship Day, the Billings were selling a dozen roses at the special price of $8 (as compared to the usual $20), with $2 of every sale earmarked for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The fundraiser raised about $500 for the organization despite rainy weather. The Billings also handed out brochures on the non-profit organization and its programs.
“We have already held a meeting with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters to discuss doing this again next year,” Richard Billings says. “We are hoping to get other Grower Direct stores in Winnipeg involved as well. We are looking forward to a bigger and better event next year.”
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