Two local MPPs have handed out the provincial government's "Small Business, Big Hearts" awards to two local businesses recently.
The awards were created as a way to recognize the remarkable ways Ontario small businesses have stepped up and supported their local communities throughout COVID-19. Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson presented an award to Part 2 Bistro in Goderich and owner Peter Gusso, who closed down the restaurant during the first lockdown. On the last day before closing, he and his staff sent 90 salads and desserts to staff at the Alexandra and Marine Hospital in Goderich.
“Many Ontarians are facing pressures in ways we’ve never seen before because of the global pandemic,” says Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. “Part 2 Bistro helped their local community by donating services, resources, and time to help others. The Big Heart Small Business award is aptly named for Peter Gusso and his staff for their generosity.”
Grey-Bruce Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker also presented one of the new awards to OSHaRE in Owen Sound. OSHaRE is a non-profit community organization that provides one evening meal a day to those in need. In March and April, OSHaRE served about 11,000 meals, half of the just over 22,000 meals served in 2019. They also helped Grey County deliver meals to people in emergency local housing.
“Many Ontarians are facing pressures in ways we’ve never seen before because of the global pandemic,” says Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker. “OSHaRE helped our local community by providing services, resources and time to help our most vulnerable citizens. The Small Businesses, Big Hearts Award celebrates the remarkable small businesses and organizations, whose kindness help continue to build a strong and healthy Ontario during the COVID 19 pandemic.”
