When you take a moment to look around your community, what do you see? You see the familiar faces of your neighbours, the quiet corners where you share conversations, and the businesses that provide the foundation of our local economy.

At the heart of our practice is a deep commitment to your well-being, and that goes far beyond the walls of our clinics. True healthcare involves understanding the environment in which you live, work, and connect with others.

That is why we launched our Love Local campaign, to celebrate the dedicated individuals and businesses that make our communities such wonderful places to call home.

By engaging with local enterprises, you are not only supporting the local economy but also fostering a sense of belonging that directly impacts your overall wellness. When you feel connected to your community, your mental and emotional health flourishes.

We had the honour of visiting four remarkable businesses across Newfoundland that were recognized as our winners this year, decided by your heartfelt votes and recommendations. Going to each of these locations ourselves made it clear why they’re our winners!

Supporting Local Craftsmanship: Meghan Ashley Designs

Our first Love Local certificate was presented to Meghan Luff of Meghan Ashley Designs. This local clothing store and boutique brings creativity and care directly to the forefront of the community. 

What makes Meghan Ashley Designs truly unique is their in-house graphic apparel line, which is carefully embroidered and screen-printed on site. When you wear their seasonal sweaters or select a gift from their boutique, you benefit from high-quality, locally crafted goods made with attention to detail.

 As one nomination put it, it’s “the cutest boutique in Grand Falls-Windsor. Their collection of seasonal sweaters are  awesome!”, and we couldn’t agree more.

Cultivating Calm Spaces: Harbour Grounds

Our second stop took us to the edge of Corner Brook’s harbour, where Alex Lockyer and the team at Harbour Grounds provide a sanctuary for reflection and community gathering.

This café is quietly nestled on the edge of the water, offering an environment where you can unwind after a busy day or simply take a moment to pause. The winning nomination referenced their “excellent service & good food.”

When you step inside, you are met with  the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. You benefit from a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring seasonal ingredients, from hearty soups to satisfying lobster rolls.

More importantly, the Harbour Grounds team takes a careful, inclusive approach to dietary preferences, ensuring that your individual needs are met with warmth and respect.

Connecting Community Vendors: Urban Market 1919

In St. John’s, we presented our third Love Local certificate to Ivy Hanley, the owner of Urban Market 1919. Our winning nomination told us about how “they sell all local crafts and foods from various local bakeries as well as flowers from next door.”

For six years, this unique market on LeMarchant Road has served as a vital hub of connection. Urban Market supports hundreds of local businesses, large and small, creating a single, convenient place for you to find local gifts, fresh groceries and craft beer.

When you shop at Urban Market 1919, you benefit directly from the hard work of local artisans, farmers and bakers.

Giving Back and Building Resilience: Stagehead Restaurant

The final Love Local certificate of the year was presented to Leon Walsh, owner of Stagehead Restaurant in Marystown.

Over the past five years, Stagehead has proven that a restaurant can be much more than a place to eat but a pillar of community resilience and compassion.

Stagehead Restaurant is well-known for hosting an annual Christmas Day community dinner, ensuring that everyone has a warm meal and a welcoming place to celebrate. Their commitment to giving back extends throughout the year, something that our team admires.

Recently, they played a significant role in raising funds to purchase an OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) machine for the Burin Peninsula Hospital. This device will be used to help detect hearing impairments in newborns.

Your Health and Your Community 

Our annual Love Local campaign is a celebration of the people who make our communities better places to live.

When you support local businesses, you invest in the unique character and health of your neighbourhood. We carry that same philosophy into our practice every single day!

Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee by the harbour, discovering a new staple for your wardrobe, browsing artisanal markets or enjoying a meal at a restaurant that gives back, every connection matters.

We are here to support your hearing health so you can experience every one of these moments clearly and fully!