Leslieville business owner part of Shop Local campaign

Leslieville business owner part of Shop Local campaign. East end residents and Torontonians as a whole are being asked to 'Shop Local' like the Shop Leslieville campaign. Staff photo/JOANNA LAVOIE

The Montreal native who grew up in east Toronto credits her "big-hearted" mother, an east-end teacher and photographer who gives of her time regularly at the Salvation Army and the Fred Victor Centre, for introducing her to volunteering at a young age.

Fischer said she's also inspired by her grandfather, who contributed to numerous charities and always had a desire to help at-risk communities.

In 2006, the longtime Leslieville resident opened up Nathalie-Roze&Co. at 1015 Queen St. E. at Pape Avenue, and has continued holding events and special promotions as well as several major fundraisers benefitting the Canadian Red Cross, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), the Red Door Family Shelter, the Yonge Street Mission and WoodGreen Community Services to name a few.

In the last six years, Fischer estimates she's raised upward of $80,000 through biennial Crafternoon Teas, quarterly UBER-Swap clothing exchanges and Shop For The Cause events, which raises funds for those affected by major disasters such as the March 2011 earthquake/tsunami in Japan, the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti and the Boxing Day 2004 earthquake/tsunami in southeast Asia.

Fischer also gives back through smaller initiatives throughout the year.

"We never have an event where there's nobody benefitting from the event. It's a regular part of what we do," she said.

"We are the organizers, but it's always a community effort. There are a lot of amazing people (in Leslieville). The whole east end is like being in a small town and people want to do something positive."

Fisher said she enjoys connecting people and organizations that can benefit from her efforts and doesn't mind occasionally offering up space in her storefront.

Recently, Nathalie-Roze&Co. has become the east-end drop-off point for the CAMH's Suit Me fine Clothing Bank. Gently used clothing for men and women in sizes medium to extra large is currently being collected.

"I did a tour (at CAMH) and decided to offer up my space as a drop-off point in the east end," she said during a recent interview.

Anyone interested in contributing, should call 416-792-1699 or email info@nathalie-roze.com

Fischer, who started off selling her unique designs in markets before getting into the wholesale business and then opening up her own boutique in Leslieville, is also an advocate for the Shop Local movement.

"It's been an ongoing campaign since I opened up the store. We're always trying to spread this message," she said, adding local businesses are the ones who contribute to fundraisers at schools and support area organizations that help vulnerable people.

"When you support local, independent businesses you're supporting your neighbourhood. Owner-run shops are the heart of the community," said Fischer, adding dedicating just 10 per cent of your spending in the community is enough to sustain the local economy.

"When you shop local, you are feeding your community on a lot of different levels. Everywhere, not only in Leslieville, patronize your independent businesses - when you can and as much as you can."

Among other things, Nathalie-Roze&Co. is currently selling tote bags silkscreened with the "Shop Local" logo for $12. A portion of the proceeds will be directed to the boutique's community fund, which supports a range of local groups and initiatives throughout the year.

A number of Toronto retailers will also start selling the Shop Local bags this spring.

Customers who support the store's charitable efforts are also sent home with a complimentary Shop Local bag crafted from a T-shirt.

Throughout the month of February, anyone who brings in a donation of new underwear, socks and toiletries for local charities will receive 10 per cent off any purchase in the store, including merchandise on sale. This additional discount applies to items purchased this weekend (Feb. 11 and 12) during the store's "Treat Yourself Event."

Visit twitter.com/NRandCO or the store's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Nathalie-Roze-Co/114745211928654 for details.