To the Editor,
Sometimes it takes a broken refrigerator to remind us what community truly means.
Saturday, July 25, my husband and I recently arrived at our cottage near St. Stephen for a guest turnover, only to discover that our refrigerator had failed. My first instinct was to search online, but I quickly realized that finding the right appliance and arranging delivery wasn’t going to happen in time. Instead, I called Keith’s Building Supplies.
Within fifteen minutes, we identified the perfect replacement. Within the hour, a delivery truck arrived. The delivery person not only installed the appliance but also suggested reversing the door swing to better suit the space. It was thoughtful, knowledgeable service that went well beyond simply dropping off a box.
As we reflected on the experience, we realized this wasn’t really about an appliance at all. It was about the value of local businesses and the people behind them. In today’s economy, it’s easy to compare prices online or head to a big-box store. But what can’t be measured on a price tag is the willingness of a local business to solve a problem, respond quickly, and genuinely care. Those qualities build trust and keep our local economy resilient.
As new residents, experiences like this remind us why we chose to make this area our home. Communities don’t become strong by accident. They thrive because people choose to support one another, and because local businesses provide exceptional service that cannot be replicated by a website. Thank you to everyone who works hard every day to make Charlotte County a place where neighbors genuinely look after one another.
Sincerely,
Mike Avery & Louise Quenneville
Heathland, NB
