It’s been seven weeks since my boy has been to school and as our new normal is shaping up, it is more important than ever to help those around us by using the small businesses in our own community wherever possible. Without our help, many of our friends and neighbours will be devastated by this – but it is in our power to do something. Some have chosen to buy now, shop later and that is a wonderful way to support our community. Without the services offered by them, we will all suffer.
Starting with the Wednesday markets, the Farm Gate at the Masonic Hall is operating with physical distancing rules in place. The Roberts Creek Community Farm Market, while it is temporarily closed, has alternatives for buying local produce, fresh-baked breads, chocolate, and other Coastal made items! Check the information they have at facebook.com/rccommunityfarmmarket and visit gibsonsfarmcollective.com where many of the vendors are marketing their goods. Sign up for the weekly Fresh Sheet to see what’s available this week, order online and pick up at their hub.
Many of our local Roberts Creek businesses are still operational in one way or another. Contact them through regular channels to find out what they are doing to help crush the curve and keep afloat. Some have deliveries, some have pick up only, others are limiting numbers in store, and a good few have web pages to browse.
Roberts Creek General Store is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week with physical distancing rules. Elphi Cycles is open Tuesday to Saturday and is busy! Gumboot Restaurant is open seven days a week, pick-up only, and now with Benny Breakfast Weekends, Donut Wednesdays (order ahead) and some provisions to go! Sharkey’s Fish Locker is open every day but Sundays, but you must phone ahead. Jeans Organic has phone orders for members only, no new members at this time, sorry. Roberts Creek Wellbeing in the Heart of the Creek is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, with physical distancing in store. Sunshine Coast Nursery is open Tuesday to Saturday; it’s best to order online. Our Post Office has reduced hours. The Rusty Hinge is open noon to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday. And Molten Spirit Glass has pick up and delivery; check out their website. There are more, I am sure. Get in touch and I will give your business a shout out in a future column.
The good people at the Sunshine Coast Community Task Force have compiled a list of vital information and a great resource is their Open for Business listing with a majority of those delivering right to our little hamlet. Go to scctaskforce.com and follow the links.
I am thankful to all of you who reached out to my small family. Our health is good, my son has visions of becoming a pro gamer, and I have work – so, we are doing and we are doing OK. The struggle is real for all of us, so check in with those you care about. This community has a big heart and it shows.
