Two Creston businesses, Pealow’s Your Independent Grocer and Honey Bee Zen Apiaries are launching an initiative to support community fundraising and bee research.
The two companies have joined forces just in time to mark World Bee Day and B.C.’s Day of the Honey Bee coming up on May 20. They will be launching a specially-labelled 500g jar of pure Canadian wildflower honey.
Under the program, every 500-gram jar of Pealow’s wildflower honey sold will generate proceeds to be disbursed by each company on a quarterly basis starting in 2025. Brian and Julie Pealow, who are very committed to giving back to local non-profits, will donate a portion of their proceeds.
“We are always looking for new and creative ways to support our community," said Brian Pealow, owner of Pealow’s.
"We are able to support a local food producer, and a portion of every jar sold goes back to invest in local community initiatives. We thank all of those who purchase a jar of this delicious honey for their support.”
Honey Bee Zen has committed to making equal contributions to Canadian bee research and honey authentication programs.
“When Brian and Julia Pealow approached us with this idea of creating a special-label honey that could be used to generate fundraising for our communities, we jumped at the idea,” said Amanda Goodman Lee, Honey Bee Zen’s co-owner.
“Helping Brian and Julia generate funds for their considerable charitable efforts makes so much sense. At the same time, it allows Jeff and I to contribute to important bee research and honey authentication programs. We want people to have complete confidence in the purity of the Canadian honey they buy, and we also want to help research into the complexities bees face in this increasingly urbanized world.”
This idea also comes forth at a time when Canadians have renewed preference for locally made brands and foods. For this project, Honey Bee Zen's utilized quality raw and unpasteurized honey produced by Western Canadian beekeepers.
Jars are available now for purchase at both Pealow’s store in Creston and online at honeybeezen.com.
