Shop local this fall with St. Joseph’s new vendor program

Local artisans and entrepreneurs are invited to sell their locally made goods within on-site stores located at St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) beginning this Fall.

Our Volunteer Services Department is launching a new ‘Local Vendor Program’ designed to support community entrepreneurs to grow their small businesses, while building a stronger sense of community within St. Joseph’s.

Vendor products, which will be sold on consignment, can include pottery, jewelry, paintings, books and more. Volunteer Services will promote participating vendors internally; staff, physicians, volunteers and community members are welcome to apply. All vendors must be based in Southwestern Ontario.

“Our hope is to bring the community into the hospital and provide meaningful support to local vendors,” says Tracy Drenth, manager of Volunteer Services.  

“Revenue generated from our on-site stores  is put back directly into patient care,” adds Tracy. “With the addition of the Local Vendor Program, we are expanding services to support our local community while providing new, exciting and local products to our customers.”

If the number of applications exceeds the available spaces, an electronic random selection generator will choose vendors who meet all eligibility requirements. Applications will re-open every six months, offering more opportunities for new vendors to participate.

In recent years, St. Joseph’s has hosted holiday pop-up shops for staff at both mental health care facilities (our two sites without gift shops), which will now also include local vendors.  

If you, or someone you know would like more information on applying as a vendor, please email Volunteer Services at @email or call ext. 44050.