Reflecting his many efforts to contribute to the community, a business owner in Bashaw has landed the Alberta Newcomer Recognition Award in the category of Small Community Enhancement.
Ted Lee, who is originally from Seoul, South Korea, settled in Bashaw with his family in 2018 from Saskatoon.
“We were very excited,” said Lee of his family’s response to learning of the award. He said Bashaw has been a wonderful and warm community to settle into, and that he and his family have known an outstanding sense of support from the start.
There is also a strong connection among local businesses, said Lee, who purchased Bashaw Groceries in 2018 as well.
“We know each other. It’s amazing. Bashaw has so many business people, and we work together to support our community. For example, we have events and everybody works together,” he said.
“I love this town, and I try to help out when possible.”
Local resident Terri Brown-Gust, who nominated Lee for the award, said his commitment to customer service, and overall service to the community, is remarkable.
“When you get service like that, it’s easy to shop local,” she said. “He’s a good businessman.”
In her nomination application, Brown-Gust noted that Lee and his family have immersed themselves in the community in a number of ways, including through donating to local charities including the food bank, seniors’ groups, the fire department, the school breakfast program, 4-H, town beautification projects, and a range of special community events.
“He offers discounts to groups in Bashaw and surrounding small communities to help them afford hosting events,” she wrote.
“He (also) added to the local economy while making improvements by hiring local carpenters and tradespeople to remodel his store. In the store, a new bakery department was added as well as an ice cream and slush counter.”
Brown-Gust said she met Lee as a customer shopping in his store.
“He always makes me feel like a valued customer and a friend. He and his family have been a wonderful addition to Bashaw.
“Ted will collaborate with the school, arts, theater, library, charity, service groups, or anyone that has an idea. He has been contributing since the moment that he arrived in town.
“His disposition and enthusiasm are contagious. You can’t help but be affected by Ted’s positive energy when you encounter him on the street or in his business.”
Brown-Gust also said that ultimately, Lee treats all people like they are a part of his team.
“He is inspiring all of us to be more inclusive and less judgmental. I can’t help but think if more people were like Ted, the world would be a far happier place.”
Ultimately, Lee is just happy to be able to support a community that he said has supported him so well.
“So many people have helped us, so we have decided to help, too,” he said.
“They’ve treated me nicely - same as their relatives and families.”
That sense of support has extended to his family as well, including his wife Jennifer, and to their two daughters who were welcomed into the local school, he said.
“It makes it like our hometown.
“It’s also a very important reason why we (decided) to stay here,” he noted of Bashaw. “It’s small but powerful!”