About the Founders

Grapevine founders are all community-minded entrepreneurs who own and operate service-based businesses.  We began with five women with home-based businesses who met weekly to support each other in the challenging world of private enterprise.  One group member attended an event planned to generate enthusiasm and support for a well-deserved shop owned by a friend.  The experience was so much fun that it inspired much discussion and brainstorming -- and eventually led to the establishment of the non-profit Grapevine. 
 
Shortly after launch, member Sarah Flynn (who invented our "best of the bunch" tag), dropped out because life circumstances demanded more of her time.  That left four founders:  Sarala Godine, Barbara McDonell, Debbie Yorke and Sandra Tennent.  As home-based business owners we have special appreciation for the extra incentive and finances it takes to be successful in the retail world.

Out-Of-The-Box Networking

Further inspired by Canada's marketing guru, Donald Cooper of The Donald Cooper Corporation, founders incorporated a random act of kindness with out-of-the-box marketing to develop an unusual way to assist new businesses and the Victoria community, while raising their own profiles.  Visit our ARTICLES Page to view Donald's newsletter that acknowledged Grapevine founders for their creative thinking.

What the founders say

"The Grapevine is so rewarding that I cannot imagine not being part of it.  My favourite thing is when a business owner gets teary-eyed... then I know we've chosen a proprietor who particularly needed our support and deeply appreciates the attention their store is receiving."  Barbara McDonell, Clutter Queen Services
 
"I love the whole event – the enthusiasm of our participants, keeping them in the dark even when they try to guess who we are 'graping' (they are usually wrong), the monthly draw prize ... and the typically stunned and overwhelmed response of the store owner when we come barging through the door!"  Sarala Godine, Options for Health
 
"The best part of The Grapevine experience for me is the element of surprise, for the people who join us and especially for the business owner.  It's so gratifying to add some joy and a little bit of fun into everyone's day.  These entrepreneurs work so hard and yet are so passionate about their businesses, it's wonderful to support them by 'spreading the word' down The Grapevine'".  Debbie Yorke, Family Caregivers Network Society

"My favourite part is when the group gathers, high on anticipation.  Participants chatter amongst themselves, taking turns guessing what shop we're going to 'grape' this time.   It's great fun for the founders to surprise Grapeviners, as well as proprietors!"  Sandra Tennent, Urban-life Healing

Meet The Gang

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