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At Sooke 2 for 1 Pizza, owner Andy Carrier is all about giving back to the community.
“That’s something that we as a family try our best to practice and as a community-based business we love being a part of that,” says Carrier.
With local charities suffering due to the pandemic, Carrier was searching for a cause to help. He found it close to home with the Sooke Transition House Society, which provides emergency shelter for women and their children fleeing abusive relationships.
“Right now we’re trying to build a bursary fund so that we can help community members who have gone through violence with certain things when they move into their own safe homes,” says the society’s executive director Crystal Gelsingler. “Things like cutlery, bedding, window coverings, all of these items that when they move they’re really moving into these homes with nothing,”
Gelsingler called Carrier to see if he was interested in helping out, and Andy the Pizza Man was happy to oblige. Carrier originally pledged $1,000 but decided to surprise the society with an added bonus.
“He said ‘what if I cut you a cheque for $1,500 for your fund’ and of course had me in tears, had me speechless,” says Gelsingler.
Not only did Carrier boost his donation, but he also offered to feed everybody in the house, from clients to staff.
“We offered to provide a meal twice a month mid-week when the mothers, some of them are mothers that stay there, can use a meal that’s made for them, says Carrier. “They don’t have to worry about supper or lunch.”
It’s Carrier’s way of showing his support for those in need.
“We had the chance to be of help and we’re just happy our family was able to do it,” smiles Carrier.
To learn more about the Sooke Transition House Society or to make a donation, visit their website.
Cole Sorenson
