The Local Legends awards, which are funded by Mazda Canada, were designed to recognize local businesses who have been working hard through the uncertainties of the pandemic. Northside Mazda in Sault Ste. Marie was tasked with choosing the recipients of the cash awards for this community that totalled $5,000.
“In partnership with Mazda Canada and our Local Legend’s initiative, Northside Mazda is proud to recognize the hard work and dedication put forth by the management and staff of the Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic as well as Stackburger, Big Lake Cabin, and Embers on the Ridge local restaurants,” says Mario Palumbo, owner of Northside Mazda.
Local Veterinarians Working Tirelessly Through the Pandemic
“Dr. Gary Palmer and Dr. Robin Lewis–Palmer and their team have continued to support pet owners throughout the pandemic,” says Mario. “Their love for animals and the care they provide could not be put on hold through these difficult times. This was made evident by their commitment to providing first class services every step of the way. With the support of the community, the animal clinic has been identified as a local hero for their continued passion for excellence, and as a result we have recognized them with a $2500 cash award to help subsidize their business.”
For Dr. Robin Lewis-Palmer and Dr. Gary Palmer, veterinarians, owners, and operators of Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic, the pandemic has had a significant impact on how they and their staff have been able to care for their patients.
“Since we are classified as an essential service, we never shut down completely, but we have had to alter how we interact with clients and their pets. For quite a while, we were limited to urgent care only which then created a back log we are still trying to catch up from,” explains Dr. Lewis-Palmer.
Receiving a Local Legends award was an unexpected honour during a very trying time. Dr. Lewis-Palmer and Dr. Palmer are both very pleased that their staff has been recognized for all of their hard work.
“The pandemic has had such a profound impact on so many people, we are truly humbled and grateful to have been singled out in this way. Sault Ste Marie is a wonderful city in so many ways. We feel very fortunate to live here and be a part of the local business community,” says Dr. Lewis-Palmer. “We would like to thank Mazda Canada and Northside Mazda for this remarkable honour and generous monetary award which we will see goes to helping local pets in need.”
The veterinarians passed along the prize money to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society as well as Northern Critters in Need, both of which are also facing difficult challenges due to the pandemic.
Local Restaurants Struggle to Keep Going Through Tough Times
Alongside the Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic, three local restaurants were honoured by Northside Mazda with cash awards. These restaurants have had to continually pivot and adapt in order to stay afloat through the uncertainties of pandemic restrictions.
“The community also helped us to identify three local restaurants who have faced similar challenges due to unforeseen closures over the past two years. Closing the doors for indoor dining had a major financial impact on restaurants. Based on community votes through social media, Stackburger was voted #1 restaurant and will receive $1,250. Big Lake Cabin came in a close second and will receive $750 and the third-place prize of $500 goes to Embers Restaurant. The prize money will help to subsidize their businesses,” says Mario.
The owner of Stackburger, Kevin Syrette, is extremely pleased to be recognized. “We are very grateful to the customers who voted for us and who have supported us before and during the pandemic,” he says. “We’re also very grateful to Northside Mazda for recognizing local businesses during this time.”
“On behalf of the management and staff on Northside Mazda we would like to thank these local heroes as well as the entire community for supporting this great cause,” says Mario.