Poppin’ for a purpose: Saint John business sells gourmet popcorn and helps the hungry
A newly opened gourmet popcorn shop in the city of Saint John is serving up classic movie theatre snacks from its brightly coloured west side space, while setting aside a portion of its profits each month to help the hungry.
‘Poppn’, located on Catherwood Street, officially opened its doors for business on Saturday.
Customers at the shop can choose their own popcorn seasonings and candy, along with either cotton candy or a drink.
Owner Mark Curran says that the response from the community has been incredible with more than 300 customers already, after only being open for a few days.
“We had people lined out the door Saturday, we had people lined out the door on Sunday,” says Curran, “The response on Facebook, almost 17,000 people have seen our posts and seen our page, it’s insane.”
The business plans to give back to the community by giving five percent of their gross margin to a local food bank each month. It’s an idea that came to Curran after getting sick last year.
“I wasn’t able to eat for a while, and for the first time in my life I really experienced hunger,” says Curran. “So after I got better, when I was driving by the food bank, my perspective changed on what those people go through.”
The first to be chosen is the North End Food Bank – part of their sales from Oct. 16 to Nov. 30 will go to that facility.
“I want this to be a fundraising machine that a lot of people get excited about on family movie night, or coming after a hockey game,” says Curran.
“You know your dollars are going to someone in need and can really help fight food insecurity.”
Serving up snacks, and helping the hungry, one bag of popcorn at a time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.