News and Events Archive

Past Event: Saturday June 19th, 2010 11AM – 4PM

Exchange your Stuff Day

Bring in items such as books, clothes and tools which you no longer need and exchange them for things you can use. It's as simple as that. Anything left over will be donated to a charity.

Past Event: Saturday June 12th, 2010 NOON – 2PM

Karma Open House

We will be holding an Open House on Saturday, June 12th from 12PM-2PM. Please invite your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours, and anyone else you think might be interested in joining Karma!

As you know, we are always looking for new members to join Karma, and this is the perfect opportunity to invite that friend who is interested but hasn't made it in yet. We will have people on hand to answer questions, free bike tune ups, samples from our suppliers, and non-members will be able to do a trial shop.

For more info contact: community@karmacoop.org

Past Event: Saturday June 12th, 2010 NOON – 4PM

Karma Bike Tune-Up Day

Get a free safety inspection from Karma member and owner of The Bike Joint - Derek Chadbourne and other volunteer mechanics. For more info call Derek @ 416-532-6392

Spring Inventory: Sunday May 30th, 2010

Inventory is for you!

There are three shifts to chose from:

• 9:30am – 12.30pm
• 1:00pm – 4pm
• All Day (9:30am – 4pm)

Signup sheet is on the door in the front of the store. If you've never done it before, it's a great way to bank some hours and meet other Karma members.

This time around we're asking members to contribute some lunch or bring your own food to snack on. There will be a lunch break from 12:30pm – 1pm, and a modest amount of snackable items will be available. No need for huge dishes if you're willing to contribute. Whatever you can manage would be much appreciated!

Questions? mlc@karmacoop.org

Event: Saturday May 29th, 2010 11AM – 4PM

Karma's Annual Plant Exchange

Bring plants, seeds and seedlings that you don't need. Take home whatever you like. Rain or shine. Contact Stefani for more information: 416-787-3585

Spring 2010 Chronicle

Table of Contents

• Note From the Editor
• Report From the General Manager
• Report From the President
• Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Dip
• My Valentine's Crush
• Tony Neale and Wheelbarrow Farm
• Karma Staff Q&A
• The Little Cracker Company That Could
• Committee News: Food Issues, Orientation
• Recipes: Family Favourites

Read the latest issue of the Chronicle [PDF]

Past Event: Sunday, February 21st 2010, 2–4pm

Come and participate in our Members’ Forum!

The goal of this meeting is to provide a space for Karma members, members of your Karma Board, and members of our committees to come together and continue important discussions from the 2009 AGM. We want to talk about our current membership policies and ideas for the future at Karma. What are your ideas about the membership structure at Karma? Whether you are a long time member or have just recently joined Karma, please join us in this discussion and share you insights and experiences.

When: Sunday, February 21st, 2–4pm
Where: Library of St. Alban’s Boys & Girls Club, 843 Palmerston Ave.

Questions? Email: BoardNews@Karmacoop.org

A Background [PDF] on membership policies and the Agenda [PDF] are now available.

Sunday, February 21st 2010, 2–4pm

Event: Members’ Forum

Thanks to those members who were able to take time out of their Sunday to share ideas on changes to Karma's membership structure.

February 2010 Chronicle

Table of Contents

• A Message From the Food Issues Committee
• Report From the General Manager
• Karma Staff Q&A
• Report From the Treasurer
• Contract Negotiations Update
• Have Some Karma With Your Coffee
• Community Development Committee Update
• Update on Kimberly-Clark/Kleenex Boycott
• GMO Project Update
• Product Spotlight

Read the latest issue of the Chronicle [PDF]

Chronicle Deadline

The first issue of The Chronicle for the new year will be in the store on February 3rd, 2010! We welcome your submissions and encourage committees to submit reports.

Deadline for submissions is January 8, 2010.

Holistic Approach to Prevention & Treatment of Seasonal & H1N1 Influenza with Homeopathic Medicine

WHAT ? – Information Seminar/Discussion based on the use of Boiron Pharmacy Flu Immunization & Remedy Kit’s (available for Purchase at cost for Participants).

WHERE ? - Karma Co-op, 739 Palmerston Ave

WHEN ? – Wednesday December 9th, 2009 at 7 p.m. ( to 8:30 p.m.)

WHY ? – Learn about Benefits of Homeopathy for Colds, Coughs and Flus, as well as, How to Home Prescribe Remedies for Yourself and your Family members.

WHO ? - Laura Coramai, Homeopathic Practitioner. Call for further information – #(416) 531-7977

Ratification of Union Contract

The contract between Karma Coop and CUPE Local 1281 has now been ratified! Thanks to the members of the union, to Ken Godevenos, our negotiator, and to Harry Koster, Margaret Knittl, Arel Agnew, Howard Kaplan, and Sarah Pretty for all of their time and efforts during the negotiation process.

The full collective agreement [PDF] is available, as well a document outlining highlights [PDF] of the agreement.

Minutes of the 2009 AGM

Minutes of the 2009 AGM are now available for review.

Karma Board Minutes

Minutes for the last three board meetings (one in October and two in November) have been posted. If you aren't a regular reader, they're a great source of Karma news and updates. Board Minutes

Special Bulletin

An update from the President and the Chronicle committee is contained in the Special Bulletin of the Chronicle - December 2009 [PDF].

A Message from the General Manager (19-Nov-2009)

New Cash Registers

Karma Members, we have recently purchased new SHARP cash registers and intend to have them up and running early in the new year. Our current registers, which we got in 1986, have served us well indeed. The new cash registers, however, have many time-saving features, the main one being barcode scanners. We look forward to both reduced wait times at check out and minimizing the time our staff spend using pricing guns – an outdated practice!

An important additional feature is the powerful back-office software which will give us, for the first time, useful sales reports and inventory control tools. What this means for us is more consistent and accurate pricing, and fewer out of stocks.

It is my hope that changing over to these new cash registers will not be too daunting for our member labour cashiers. We will try to keep a similar keyboard layout. Also, many steps of a normal transaction will be replaced by a single touch screen key. And with the addition of barcode scanners the new registers will likely be even easier to use. Cashiers, please look forward to quick retraining sessions in the coming weeks.

Thanks, Justin

1-Nov-2009 • Over 50 members participated in the fall inventory.

Shaping the Future of Food in Canada

The People's Food Policy Project is asking for input to help create food sovereignty policy for Canada. The goals of this policy framework are to ensure good food for everyone; value food providers; build food systems that are controlled locally; and honour ecosystems and traditional knowledge. Deadline for submissions is December 1st, 2009.

Karma's Fall Harvest Fair

Sunday October 18th, 2009; 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Karma Co-op

Drop by Karma on October 18th between 2 and 5 pm to meet some of our farmers and suppliers and catch up with friends. If you know someone who is thinking of becoming a member, bring them with you and let them check out the store! There will be free hot cider and music courtesy of a pedal-powered sound system built by a Karma member. Come celebrate the harvest season with us!

Karma Co-op 2009 Annual General Meeting

Monday October 19th, 2009; 6:30pm (sharp)

Friends' House, 60 Lowther Ave

For a map and more detailed agenda, see: www.karmacoop.org/agm

Get involved! If you are interested in running for the board please contact board@karmacoop.org. Want to earn work hours and help out at the AGM? Let us know! hilary.krupa@gmail.com

An Important Message from the Karma Board (9-Oct-2009)

Markup Changes

Dear Karma Members,

Karma attempts to set its prices as low as possible, consistent with meeting our expenses. Unfortunately, with sales currently lower than in the past, it is necessary to raise the markup slightly. This adjustment, approved by the Board on October 5, will not solve our financial problems, but it will make a contribution towards solving them.

Over the course of October, the staff will be increasing the average markup by about 1.7% of the wholesale cost of goods. Our average markup over wholesale will rise from about 35.1% to about 36.8%. At the retail level, you will see prices rise by about 1.2%.

Some of you may be wondering, "Didn't Karma have a fixed 32.5% markup before this change?". Actually, there were already three markup categories: Karma had a base markup of 32.5%, but the produce markup was higher at 40%, and the nutritional supplements markup was higher at 34.5%. Other adjustments for discounts and roundoff raised the actual average markup to 35.1%. As part of the current change, Karma has adopted a wider range of markups on different categories of goods. The new markups are fixed in the sense that they are predictable within each category, but they are not the same in all categories. If you are interested in seeing a detailed list of the category markups, you may ask any of the staff to show you the new list.

Attention all Karma members – The Coop needs your help! Membership at Karma has been declining recently and we need to reverse this trend. How can I help you may ask – This is how: Tell a friend and help Grow Karma!!

We are asking each member to tell your friends about Karma; While you’re at it why not bring them into the store and show them how great Karma is.

As an added incentive the Outreach Committee will be conducting a prize draw. For every person you bring in that becomes a Karma member you will receive an entry for the draw. Every new member will also receive an entry. One prize each, consisting of a $25 Karma gift certificate, will be awarded to an existing Karma member and a new Karma member.

The contest will run from May 1 and close September 15, 2009 so…

Tell a friend and help GROW KARMA today!!!

Karma Pizza Picnic

Sunday August 9th, 2009 @ 1 PM - 3 PM

The bake ovens at Dufferin Grove Park

We will bake fresh pizzas in the outdoor ovens. The park asks for a suggested donation of $2.50 to get dough, sauce, cheese and fresh toppings from the gardens.

Karma will provide drinks and snacks, and the park also sells refreshments.

If you play an instrument, please bring it along. See you there!

1st Ever Healthy Fair!

All of us have one thing in common; we are into healthy alternatives from conventional practices of food production. Taking this one step further, we of the Events Committee want to tap into the wealth of health information members have to share with each other on healthy lifestyle practices from anything related to food preparation, body healing and practices that in anyway enhance our health and mother natures! Join us to learn about practices such as yoga, holistic nutrition, fermentation, energy healing along with other energizing and healing ways to address your health and wellbeing. Come chat, sample and try out something new or not so new; learn about how others use a practice that may inspire you to grow and develop in a different way.

Saturday June 13th, 2009 10 a.m to 6 p.m. (Rain date; Sunday June 14th 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Call Laura for more info.: #(416) 531-7977

Karma Bike Tune Up Day is Cool and Community Building!

Saturday June 6th, 2009 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year's Annual Tune Up Day is supported by The Bike Joint. Join cool bikers and get a tune up as well as repair tips (bring your own parts/accessories). Get your bicycle humming. Be ready to ride the streets of Toronto. Hit the bike paths or trails in or outside the city this summer.

Call Derek for more info: #(416) 532-6392

April-May 2009 Chronicle

Table of Contents

• Report From the General Manager
• Finance Committee Report
• Keep on Building: Lend a Hand
• Get Involved and Grow Karma
• Karma Then, Now, and ???
• Local Food Plus
• Simple Steps for Spring
• Springtime Recipes
• The Ripe Review
• Product Spotlight: Crofter's Jam
• Karma Events and Such

Read the latest issue of the Chronicle (PDF)

Plant Exhange: Roots, Shoots and more Shoots & Roots!

This year's Annual Plant Exchange is the first event to get the spirit of summer happening for us after a cold winter. So join other gardening enthusiasts or non-enthusiasts who happen to have plants in their garden that were crowding out the other ones! Bring along a root, shoot or whole plant and/or take a whole plant, root or shoot. Come even to get gardening tips from experienced gardeners if this is the year you are planning to start a container garden on your balcony or a new bed in your yard.

Saturday May 23rd 2009 from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Call Stefanie for further info: #(416) 787-3585

Musical Outreach Concert at the Tranzac Club!

Monday April 27th 8 p.m. onwards

Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick St (South of Bloor St)

Find out how talented our membership is. Hang with members that you know and some you don't; relax to the sounds of diverse music and groove to 3 bands playing late into the evening. This event will hopefully help create awareness and outreach to the public as it's being held in a public space (ie; not in the parking lot!). Pay What you Can.

Call Myk for more details: #(416) 516-9035

Karma Members Needed for Outreach Committee

Members are needed to restart the Karma Coop Outreach Committee. The Outreach committee works to promote Karma Coop in the local community in order to enhance our visibility and attract new members.

• Do you have communications and/or promotional experience and skills?
• Do you have a large social network in the local, food, environmental or coop community?
• Do you think Karma is a great place that others should know about?

If you answered yes to any of these questions the Outreach Committee needs your ideas and time to help recruit new members and grow Karma.

For more information contact Kevin Taylor or Sarah Pretty at board@karmacoop.org

February-March 2009 Chronicle

Table of Contents

• Report From the General Manager
• Letters to the Editor
• Three Vegan Recipes
• Product Spotlight: Shining the light on Toothpaste
• A Hearty Vegetarian Vegetable Barley or Vegetable Barley Meat Stew

Read the latest issue of the Chronicle (PDF)

Chronicle Submission Deadline

If you're thinking of writing an article or submitting any content to the Chronicle, the deadline for the April/May issue is Wednesday, March 18th, 2009.

Introduction to Homeopathic Medicine

Tuesday March 31st, 2009 @ 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Karma Co-op

Learn about this 200 year old system of medicine founded by Samuel Hahnemann – a brilliant scientist and compassionate doctor.

• "Like Cures Like" applied Homeopathically.
• Health & Disease defined; the concept of the Vital Force.
• Homeopathy's Principles and Laws outlined & explored.
• Comparison of Homeopathic remedies to other Holistic health practices & medicines (what, if anything, is in those tiny white pellets anyways?).
• What Treatment looks like & why Homeopathy is effective for all types of health conditions.
• Lots of time will be allotted to answer questions and discuss handout material.

Cost: $2 (non-members: $5)

Member Appreciation Day

January 31st, 2009

Food Issues Information Meeting

Sunday, January 25th, 2009 @ 1:00 - 4:30PM

Karma Membership Room

Your Food Issues Committee is hosting an informative meeting at Karma co-op this coming Sunday January 25th from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm, mainly held in the Membership Room.

There will be members of the Food Issues Committee there to talk about their present project, which is currently focused on removing food containing GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms, also known as GE, Genetically Engineered) from Karma.

The idea is to share information about GMO's, what we have discovered so far about GMO foods at Karma, show some videos about GMO's, invite you to help us with our GMO project, eat a few (non-GMO) goodies, and entertain ourselves.

It will be an informal event, so drop in anytime between 1 and 4:30. Hope to see you there!

Deadline for Chronicle Submissions

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Interested in writing an article or letter for the next issue of the chronicle? The deadline is only a few days away.

Send your submissions or the chronicle coordinator:chronicleeditor@gmail.com

Looking for even older items? News and Events archive for: 2008