You canB次元官网网址檛 run a business for 43 years without a devoted staff and a strong connection to the community.

Those are key elements to why Laura Lum and Ed Low, co-owners of Western Foods on Goldstream Avenue, believe their family business has been so successful in this age of big box stores. Their father opened the grocery store thatB次元官网网址檚 been a Langford staple since 1974.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important to be involved in giving back to the community, especially if youB次元官网网址檙e locally owned and operated,B次元官网网址� Low said. B次元官网网址淲e have always done that, and I think itB次元官网网址檚 why we have so many loyal customers. It makes you feel like youB次元官网网址檙e doing something right.B次元官网网址�

Western Foods supports local students through high school scholarships, sponsors West Shore sports teams and continues the tradition of seniors day discounts every Thursday.

Many of the customers from their fatherB次元官网网址檚 original store in Esquimalt followed him to the Langford location, which doubled in size in 1995, Lum noted. B次元官网网址淚 think that speaks to customer service as well and our staff deserves a lot of credit for that. WeB次元官网网址檙e fortunate to have some employees who have been with us for between 20 and 30 years.B次元官网网址�

Both agree the improvements around Langford have added to the number of young families that have moved here and allowed their customer base to grow.

B次元官网网址淭he landscaping, flowers, paving stones, the fountain; Langford council has taken a smart approach to affordable density,B次元官网网址� Low said. B次元官网网址淭he downtown core has a walkable village feel. ThereB次元官网网址檚 so many changes since the B次元官网网址�70s.B次元官网网址�

Lum said council initiatives have enabled numerous positive changes to the city. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a great place for young families now,B次元官网网址� she added.

Western Foods will celebrate its 43rd birthday on May 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a day of family fun and events. There will be Tickles the clown, face painting, lots of free samples, demonstrations, cake, music by a local school band and a wheel of fortune everyone can spin for a prize. Langford Fire Rescue will be there as well with a barbecue by donation, with all proceeds to Muscular Dystrophy.

B次元官网网址淭here will be lots of one day specials and fun for the family,B次元官网网址� Low said. B次元官网网址淚 hope the weather co-operates, but whatever itB次元官网网址檒l be a great day.B次元官网网址�

Lum is looking forward to the opportunity to say thank you to the community for its support throughout the years. B次元官网网址淚t will be a chance to say hi to so many old friends.B次元官网网址�

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com