Skip to content

Grocer honoured for activism

.
51033ponokaPeggyHamilton092111
Peggy Hamilton will be honored by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers for her community activism and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.

By Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Hamilton’s IGA began as a small grocery store in 1946 under the name of Cash Foods on 5028 Chipman Avenue and in October Peggy Hamilton, a second generation owner of the family business, will be honoured at Grocery Innovations Canada.

Hamilton will receive this award from the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) for her community activism and overcoming past obstacles.

“I was surprised and honoured, considering past recipients of the award,” Hamilton said.

Cash Foods changed its name to Hamilton’s IGA in 1957, the first IGA franchise in Alberta. In 1998 the store burned down at its current location and she was faced with the decision to rebuild or to call it quits.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but we decided to rebuild,” Hamilton said.

Since then Hamilton’s IGA has become involved in many community events and her son, Jim Hamilton who now runs the store, and his son, Tom, can be seen supporting 4-H Clubs and other groups in Ponoka.

She said CFIG is a fantastic organization, which strives to help the independent grocer understand the changes in the marketplace. She will be recognized in Toronto Oct. 24.