ST. PIERRE-JOLYS, Man. — The Bigway Foods in St. Pierre-Jolys has seen massive support across the country since Global News first reported about its plan to hold off on selling Christmas decorations until after Remembrance Day, as an extra way of honouring veterans. Now community members are taking the support a step further.
WATCH: Brittany Greenslade’s full story from November 3, 2015
Since the story was first posted online on Global News it has been shared more than 94,000 times and had hundreds of comments from across the country, sparking a discussion for both sides of the debate. The store owner tells Global News they have seen far more positive responses than negative ones.
“We have had calls from the Northwest Territories, from Kelowna, Regina… all over Canada,” said Ginette Maynard, store owner, on Thursday afternoon. “(Callers say) thank you for doing this… for holding off.”
Maynard said that after the story aired on Global News Tuesday evening, members of the community started bringing photographs and stories of family members and loved ones who have served in the military.
“It’s pretty awesome,” said Maynard.
The photos and written stories are now being displayed on the empty front shelves alongside “Lest we forget” signs and poppies.
READ MORE: Lest we forget: Manitoba store holds back on Christmas retail until after Remembrance Day
The initial idea of holding off on selling Christmas decor until Nov. 12 came from one of the store’s main cashiers whose father-in-law served in the military. Maynard says the idea will now be a tradition at the store.
If you have pictures or stories of family and friends who are veterans we’d like to share them. Email us at winnipeg@globalnews.ca.
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