H.A.V.E. - One Solution to the Restaurant Labour Shortage

An update about a worthy program that addresses two problems with one solution.

Downtown Eastside Program Addresses Labour Shortage
(Directly from the press release.)

H.A.V.E. (Hope Action Values Ethics) Culinary Training Society is proud to announce that five students have graduated from its first training program. H.A.V.E. is a worthy Downtown Eastside program where people with ‘barriers’ to employment are trained in culinary arts. Upon graduation, students receive job placement through the BC Restaurant and Food Association (BCRFA). The first 8 week program began July 16th.

The rent collected from the Café helps to keep the transition home, located in the top floor of the building, afloat. One graduate is planning to move out of the transition home now that she has found full-time work as a result of the H.A.V.E. training program.

“Concerned business people have come together to create a social enterprise on the Downtown Eastside.� says Brad Mills, CEO of Mills Basics. “There is a potential to give 70 people, each year, from the Downtown Eastside a chance to better their situation�

“The labour shortage in the restaurant industry is a real problem. This program gives restaurateurs a staffing source for those hard to fill positions� says Ian Tostenson, President of the BCRFA. “We don’t have to look farther than our own backyard.�

Currently, Mills Basics Office Supplies has been the primary sponsor of the program; however H.A.V.E. is looking for further support. “All we need is the money to pay for the initial start up costs, because the program supports itself through food sales and job placement fees to the BCRFA,� says Amber Anderson, Executive Director and Instructor for H.A.V.E.

About H.A.V.E: Located at 374 Powell Street, H.A.V.E. has been revitalized from the ashes of Cook Studio, which went bankrupt earlier this year. Six students have completed the first 8 week program and are all gainfully employed in the restaurant industry. The next program is set to start with 5 new students.


Inquiries:
Jenny Garden
Media Coordinator
H.A.V.E.
604.215.6401 ext 139
jgarden@mills.ca