KJ Millar

Shilo Stag

More than 250 people fed on free hotdogs, hamburgers and other treats during CANEX’s annual CF One Days lunch activity which is held to thank clients for their support and patronage.

However, sales and member-only pricing with a CF card are in place for three days of buying celebration and the general public is also invited into the store to participate in the bargains, said CANEX manager Melissa Kelly.

“It’s all about the [military] members and their families. It’s not about us.”

The lunch event saw customers and families attend a noon-hour barbeque, with the bouncy castle being a main attraction for kids of all ages. Crushed ice drinks, different flavoured popcorn, and freshly warmed mini donuts sprinkled with cinnamon sugar provided by Shauna Wright hit a high note for everyone in the 31 C heat.

Started eight years ago in 2015 as a one-day sales event, CANEX’s CF One Days has grown to a national campaign involving 36 stores across the nation. Three years ago, it grew to a three-day event, said Benoit Chartrand, national sales and operations manager from CANEX headquarters in Ottawa.

“I’ve come to see my great Shilo team. I’ve enjoyed CF One Days with them and [military] members,” he said. “We want our members to feel part of the community.”

“It’s an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for them and put on a lunch for them,” Kelly said. “We are here to have fun and enjoy each other,” she said with Chartrand adding, “At the end of the day, it is all for the members.”

Photo coverage from CANEX’s annual event — KJ Millar/Shilo Stag