Hala snaps up awards
2011 is already shaping up to be a good one for Vernon’s Brenda Hala Photography.
Hala was recently recognized locally, provincially and nationally for her photographic endevours and customer service.
After receiving the Personal Professional Service Award from the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence awards, Hala was honoured by the Professional Photographers of British Columbia with her Fellowship designation.
It is only one of about 70 handed out in the 66-year history of the association.
Most recently, Hala, who is celebrating her 20th year in business in Vernon, also earned the coveted Craftsman of Photographic Arts Award at the Professional Photographers of Canada annual awards banquet at the Banff Springs Hotel.
Walmart aids Red Cross effort
Only five months into the year, and Canadians from-coast-to-coast have faced a number of disasters; enough to test the resolve of both large and small communities.
Flooding in New Brunswick, Quebec and the Prairies, major apartment fires in Ontario and Nunavut, wildfires in parts of Alberta and possible flooding in B.C. have left the Red Cross needing the support of Canadians and corporate partners to meet the challenge.
Walmart Canada donated $100,000 in gift cards to the Canadian Red Cross, and have also set up an online fundraising campaign on Walmart.ca to help families in need following the Slave Lake fires and the flooding around Brandon, Man., and in Southern Quebec. These funds are in addition to the more than $3 million Walmart Canada donated and raised to the Canadian Red Cross for disaster relief in 2010.
“Since 2003, the Canadian Red Cross has relied on Walmart as a steadfast partner in responding to disasters of all scales,” said Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO at the Canadian Red Cross. “Walmart Canada remains the Red Cross’ largest corporate donor and we greatly appreciate their quick and unwavering support.”
The Canadian Red Cross comprises a network of more than 25,000 highly trained volunteers that respond immediately to disaster situations. Corporate, government and public sponsorship helps provide the Red Cross with emergency supplies such as blankets, food, clothing, water, hygiene kits (toothbrushes, soap and other toiletries).
Ricardo’s gets green recognition
The Ricardo’s Mediterranean Kitchen is becoming known for more than just an innovative menu.
The Lake Country restaurant has won the Medium Business Award at the 2011 Green Business Awards, and was also a finalist for Green Innovator and Sustainability Leader of the Year.
The recognition is due in part to Ricardo’s new eco-product called Eco-Thaw, which helps restaurants reduce the amount of water used in trying to quickly defrost product. It is considered one of the most eco-unfriendly, yet often necessary, restaurant practices as it requires continuously running water for 40-50 minutes at a time.
The Eco-Thaw attaches a small pond pump and faucet to any container and recirculates the water over frozen product in the container until it is thawed. This procedure can thaw food faster than running water and because only one container of water is needed, waste is significantly reduced.
Ricardo’s plans to add an infrared light that kills bacteria while the food is in the container. Ricardo’s is now making the Eco-Thaw available to food establishments across Canada.
