Buddies & Sidney... a love story!

Feeling nostalgic today as I go through old files and felt like writing Sidney a love letter from some one who has grown up here and worked here since I was old enough to see over a cash desk.

I grew up here, and now own a small business here.  I'm raising my family here because I know it is a safe, welcoming and wonderful place to live.  Sidney is our home where we live, work, go to school & of course play!

Buddies Toys and all our staff value this community connection and we try to honour it every day by being a welcoming and safe place for you and the kids in your life.  We also work behind the scenes to support some pretty incredible programs and schools in our community and today we want to share those programs with you!

Some big projects that are especially close to our hearts include:

Truth & Reconciliation Day that since 2021 we donated $1500+ to IRSSS. 

The annual ChekTV Toy Drive (obviously!! It's a match made in heaven!) which meant I got to hang out with the Upside Guys 

And of course The Sidney Pride Festival that we've been involved with since 2021 (and this year am currently president of our committee).  This festival is so near and dear to my heart and we raise money each year for programs that support our 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  In 2025, we are raising funds for our Peninsula Youth Clinic.

As well, we donate to other community events! 

This past year so far has included:

School Programs including:

Saanich Schools' Indigenous Literacy Showcase, Sidney Elementary, Bayside Middle School, Deep Cove Elementary... and honestly I can't even remember how many preschools...

Sporting Events and other Community Programs such as:

The Grant Gilbertson Memorial Tournament, Orca's & Piranhas' Swim Clubs, Victoria Eagles Baseball, the 1st Tsartlip Scouts, and of course the Lego Days put on by our Sidney Museum, and my personal favourite from this year was the Sidney Library is a proud new owner of a HUGE train set!!

We donate to Charities such as:

Canadian Cancer Society, VGH Neonatal ICU Graduates Celebration, Saanich Peninsula Lion's Food Bank, Crohn's Colitis Canada, and the Army, Navy & Air Force Vets Food Drive

We know that money is tight right now, but by shopping locally you know that your money is staying in our community!  

As my current role as the Sidney Pride Festival president I have been BLOWN away by the amazing support of small businesses who are eager to support us.  It's thanks to businesses like these below that we can call Sidney one of the best places to live!

It's businesses like Muffet & Louisa, Davidson Chambers, Moden Boutique, Seaside Times, Will + Wheel Hair Lounge, Modern Massage, Four Paws Pet Grocery, 3rd St. Cafe, Grays Cafe, Teddy's Boxing & Gym, Star Cinema.... These are who are making donations to keep our community the best it can be.  This list is not exhaustive of course, but just a snap shot of my experience with fundraising in Sidney.   When/where you can, I ask that you support these businesses who see value in donating to our community.

Okay!  That is my love story to Sidney, a place that is worth working for!  xoxo Lauren