Fall Fair Introduces New Meal Options
Food quality is an important consideration for new and existing residents at United’s two communities in Calgary. Finding the freshest product is paramount for food services manager Ryan Bourquin. This year’s fall fair at Garrison Green let residents sample new products and give Ryan new ideas.
“The fall fair, which we hold each year, is a great way for residents to meet some of our vendors and sample a variety of offerings,” said Ryan. “We also get great feedback from residents that help us create menu items for both communities.”
Available for tasting were seafood, soups, a variety of meats, and breads and desserts.
United sources its food through Gordon Food Services (GFS), which works with local suppliers to find the freshest product. “At least 50% of our food is sourced within Canada,” said Ryan. “The shorter transport times reduces our environmental footprint, while also supporting Canadian producers. The local focus also reduces the uncertainty of weather, tariffs and other factors outside of our control.”
As an example, United purchases much of its produce through RedHat Cooperative in Southern Alberta.
Residents were very impressed with food they sampled. “The lobster bisque was marvelous,” said resident Wendy Martin. “Excellent! Couldn’t be better!,” said resident Helen Van Der Sloot.
Read more about Ryan’s food philosophy here.
The fall fair also included an art sale for charity.
Artist Ann Haessel, who moved to Garrison Green earlier this year with her husband Walt, regularly creates unique art pieces and donates proceeds to charity. Read more about Ann and her work here.
The sale during the fall fair raised more than $1,200, which will go to the Rotary Club to buy school supplies for children in the Philippines. Ann’s earlier show and sale at the Jubilee Auditorium raised almost $7,000 for school supplies in Cambodia. Just recently, she sold a $12,000 piece to a group of buyers to support a youth charity.
Ask us about our short-term respite stays and other short-stay options.
Photos and video by Sherana Productions
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To learn more about life at United’s Fish Creek community, watch this short video.
Or, to find out more about life at United’s Garrison Green, watch this short video.
