Tapestry Yoga in Prince Albert and Blend Restaurant and Bar in North Battleford have been nominated as People's Choice finalists for the Kindness Capital Fund. (Submitted Photo/Blend/Tapestry Yoga)

By Josh Ryan

Good deeds recognized

People Choice nominees include Prince Albert, North Battleford businesses

Aug 13, 2020 | 4:23 PM

After more than 200 nominations for the Kindness Capital Fund, Conexus Credit Union has its finalists, which includes businesses from Prince Albert and North Battleford.

The fund recognizes businesses that have had a uniquely positive impact on their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The eight finalists, including Blend Restaurant and Bar and Tapestry Yoga, will have a shot at two winning selections of $5,000 to continue acts of kindness in their communities.

Blend owner Robin Petersen in North Battleford said he was taken aback by the nomination.

“I never expected this so, so I guess I’m pleased and happy,” he said. “It’s hard to put into words.”

Petersen is a long-time supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of the Battlefords, which was forced to stop all programming in the early stages of the pandemic, due to precautionary restrictions. Petersen spearheaded multiple fundraisers and initiatives for the club and others, including an Easter Supper and frequently donating meals for youth and families. If he wins, Petersen said the $5,000 will go to the Boys and Girls Club, as part of an initiative to pay off the mortgage for their building.

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“We think they’re a good organization,” he said. “And I’d liked to see even more people donate or support them.”

Petersen noted there’s other groups in the Battlefords community that have been incredibly active during the pandemic and deserve to be commended.

“I know there are people that do more than me, so I’m pretty grateful to be recognized and nominated,” he said.

A long time Prince Albert resident, Tapestry Yoga owner Celeste Boran-Fetch said she was really surprised and honoured to be nominated. In the spring, she was organized a two-prize giveaway for nurses week.

“I try to just spread kindness in my life and in my work,” Boran-Fetch said. “So, it’s nice to be see in that way.”

During that period, she said she noticed a lot of generosity from people, and found it contagious to be a part of it; a feeling made easier by the efforts of front-line workers. For every “Bliss” yoga pass sold, Tapestry Yoga gave a complimentary one to grocery store employees, nurses and 911 dispatchers.

“Seeing all those essential service workers going out and doing their jobs despite everything was really honourable and it gave a different appreciation for their roles in the community,” she said.

Tapestry Yoga provided 45 self-care bags for Elders in the community, partnering with the Community Cares Kitchen in Prince Albert. (submitted photo/Tapestry Yoga)

Boran-Fetch hasn’t made an exact plan with what she would do with the winnings, but she will give a portion to the Community Cares Kitchen in Prince Albert. They partnered to provide Elders in the community with gift bags, which included items like tea, honey and cards.

“They really filled a need, a huge need in our community, because food security is really important,” she said.

In getting the nomination, she hopes that it will highlight the selfless of acts of people throughout her community, a place she’s called home most of her life.

“I love Prince Albert and I’m passionate about being a part of this community,” she said. “There’s so many wonderful things here that people don’t really see.”

You can vote online on the Kindness Capital Fund website, until voting closes on Tuesday, August 18.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports