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About Karma --> Frequently Asked Questions
Many questions you have about Karma Co-op have been asked and answered before. Here's a compilation of some of them:
General
- What and where is Karma Co-op?
Karma is a non-profit member-owned and operated co-operative food store that emphasizes organic and local foods and environmentally friendly household products.
We are located at 739 Palmerston Avenue Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6G 2R3 North of Bloor Street and west of Bathurst Street, the nearest subway station is Bathurst. You will find us tucked away between two houses. Just look for the sign and come up the laneway. Please see a map here. - How long has Karma been around?
Karma was founded in 1972. - How can I shop at Karma?
Only members can shop at Karma Co-op. But you are most welcome to do a one-time trial shop to try us out before joining (payment in cash or Interac). To further help you decide if you would like to join, we invite you to a short orientation session at the store, where you will be shown around. The co-op policies, shopping process and procedures will be explained, and you will be able to ask any questions you have. If you are interested in attending an orientation session, email: orientation@karmacoop.org - When is Karma open?
Please see the store hours page.
Work credits
- What are my choices to earn work credits?
Working members are required to complete a two-hour work shift each month. The most common tasks are: cash, set-up and clean-up. Work commitments can also be fulfilled by joining a committee which generally involves more than two hours of work each month. Committees include: web, chronicle (Karma's newsletter), orientation, finance, food issues, member labour, promotions, human resources and maintenance. See the committees page for committee descriptions and activities. - How can I find out if my work credits are up to date?
Members are responsible for recording their hours. Each member has a card located at the cash counter on which their work is charted. If a member has questions or concerns about his or her recorded work credit or deficit, he or she can contact the Membership Secretary at the store. - Can I change how I earn my work credits? Who do I contact?
Yes, you may earn work credits through any form of member labour that is available, provided that you have the required abilities and you have participated in the applicable training. The Member Labour Coordinator is the person who keeps track of who is on committees, work shifts, and odd jobs. You can contact the Member Labour Co-ordinator at: mlc@karmacoop.org If you wish to change scheduled shifts, please contact your shift coordinator and/or the Member Labour Coordinator well in advance to increase the likelihood of finding a replacement. - I'm going on an extended leave/holiday - what should I do?
You can either work the hours in advance (e.g., an additional two hours for a 1-month vacation) or you can request a leave of absence by contacting the Membership Secretary. Remember: if you shop during your leave, you will be required to work a shift for the month(s) in which you shopped.
Food and products
- How does Karma choose what products to sell?
Karma Co-op has a Product Policy that guides the purchasing decisions made by the store's department managers. The Food Issues Committee is responsible for ensuring that the values expressed in Karma's Product Policy are reflected in the store. To contact the Food Issues Committee send email to: foodissues@karmacoop.org