The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Beechwood Doughnuts has become a certified living wage employer. Beechwood Doughnuts is Niagara's first and only 100% vegan doughnut shop. Located in the heart of Downtown St. Catharines, Beechwood Doughnuts has proven that plant-based foods can be just as delicious as they are compassionate. They currently employ 10 full time staff and 11 part time staff. “Ever since we came to the realization that our little doughnut shop was becoming something much larger than we could have ever anticipated, becoming a certified living wage employer was at the forefront of our minds...

No matter the industry, all working people deserve a liveable wage. They are the reason why we are able to open the doors every day and we want to give back to them as much as we can. Beechwood wouldn't be what it is today without our incredible staff and we want our compensation to reflect that”, says Tayler Book, President of Beechwood Doughnuts. “A living wage reflects what earners need to be paid based on the actual costs of living and being included in the community,” says Glen Walker, Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network.

A living wage is not the same as the legislated minimum wage. It is a voluntary commitment that employers can make to compensate directly-employed and contract-employed full-time and parttime workers. The 2018 living wage for Niagara region has been calculated to be $17.99/hour. If an employer provides benefits, such as dental and prescription drugs, as part of the total compensation package, the living wage can be lowered by about $1.50/hour.

Learn more about Niagara’s living wage at www.wipeoutpoverty.ca Niagara-area employers who are interested in becoming Living Wage certified can contact the Ontario Living Wage Network for more information at [email protected]