Opening a Door to Giving on a Holiday
On Christmas Day, when most shops in Squamish were shuttered and families were settling in for celebrations, a different kind of spirit filled the town. Stong’s Market, a familiar name in the Sechelt-to-Squamish corridor, surprised residents not with a sale, but with a plan to help those in need. Store manager Devon Crane explained that the decision to close for Christmas Day stemmed from a simple belief: the community’s needs don’t pause for a calendar. With misty mornings and the quiet hum of the valley, the staff and volunteers turned the day into an opportunity to raise funds for neighbors facing hardship during the holidays.
The Concept: Turning a Closure into an Opportunity
Rather than treating the Christmas Day closure as a loss, the team at Stong’s Market used the time to organize a fundraiser that tied into the store’s long-standing commitment to local support. Shoppers were invited to donate at the registers before the store closed for the holiday, and the raised funds were earmarked for local families, seniors, and individuals who could use a little extra holiday assistance. In practice, the event worked something like a community-driven ‘tip jar’—but on a larger scale and with a clear purpose: transform a quiet day into a boost for people in need.
How Donations Were Collected
Crane and the team set up a simple, transparent process. Donors could contribute cash or tap-to-donate digitally, and all funds were tracked to ensure every dollar went directly toward supporting local residents. Volunteers helped count and verify donations, and staff members coordinated with local charities to identify the most pressing needs—whether it was Winter coats, groceries for families facing job insecurity, or meals for seniors who would otherwise face the day with limited resources.
Impact on the Community
The charity drive resonated beyond the dollar totals. For many residents, the act of giving on Christmas Day reinforced a sense of belonging. Local families who had worried about meeting basic needs found relief thanks to the generosity of neighbors and customers who chose to participate. The funds were distributed in partnership with local agencies who knew who was most in need and could ensure the aid was practical and timely. In a region where winter weather and remote access can complicate daily life, even modest contributions can mean warm meals, better heating, and a shared sense of care that lasts well beyond the holidays.
A Model for Community Kindness
What began as a closure became a model of how a business can reframe a holiday to serve the community. Crane underscored that Christmas is a time for reflection and action, not just celebration. The fundraiser demonstrated that a local grocery store, even when not selling groceries on a holiday, could still move the needle in people’s lives. Other stores and organizations in Squamish and nearby communities took note, considering similar initiatives that align business operations with charitable goals.
Looking Forward
With the funds allocated and the community stories shared, the team at Stong’s Market hoped the Christmas Day fundraiser would inspire ongoing partnerships between retailers and service organizations. Plans for future drives, perhaps tied to other seasonal needs or emergency relief efforts, are already being discussed. The overarching message is clear: when a community pools its resources and its spirit, small acts of kindness can become a powerful force for good that endures far beyond a single holiday season.
