Trainyard General Store: More Than Gifts - Member's Statement

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kimberley Dares and Jason MacDonald, co-owners of the Trainyard General Store. To the casual passerby, the Trainyard looks like a lovely giftshop filled with wares from local artisans, crafters and food purveyors. But there is more to this shop than just beautiful gifts.

From hosting community classes, to teaching crafting, to donating to community groups, Jason and Kimberley use their business as a platform to connect with and give back to the community.

For their recent third-year anniversary, instead of a birthday party they held a gratitude party. They collected baby shower gifts from the public to give to participants who completed the Dartmouth Family Centre's Prenatal Program, and they had people write love letters to health care workers.

Please join me in thanking this duo for their unique approach to local business and for sharing their generous community spirit.