A group of Charleswood-influenced business owners have teamed up to create a sweet Valentine’s initiative that’s sure to warm your heart — and tempt your taste buds.
The project, coined Share the Love (Not COVID), encourages people to remember others on Valentine’s Day, particularly those who might need a little extra attention.
SUPPLIED PHOTO BY OLIVIER CHAKRO
(Clockwise from top left) Joanna Stamatis, Marina Stamatis, Ivan Master and Lianne Tregobov have joined forces to create the Share the Love (Not COVID) project, which encourages people to remember others on Valentine's Day, particularly those who may need a little extra attention.
Lianne Tregobov, owner of Camelot Introductions matchmaking service, has joined forces with Marina and Joanna Stamatis, who live in Charleswood and own Oak Point Restaurant.
In their commercial kitchen, the restaurant owners are creating boxes of homemade Valentine’s treats including hot chocolate bombs, festive cupcakes and love-themed baking.
Share the Love (Not COVID) treat boxes should be ordered in advance since they are made fresh.
Three options are available: a 14- by 19-inch box of Valentine’s goodies for $50, a 10-inch box for $30 and an eight-inch box for $20. To view the goodies and place a secured order, visit www.myvalentine.love
Pickup will be available on Feb. 12 and 13, and deliveries will be done on Feb. 12, 13 and 14.
The pre-ordered treat boxes can be picked up at Oak Point Family Restaurant (533 Oak Point Hwy.) or at Master’s of London (3411 Roblin Blvd.), where owner Ivan Master will offer a discount coupon for his fashion boutique. Delivery is also available for $5.
"Whether you have a Valentine or not, this year it’s so important to share the love — and not COVID.
We came up with this concept because we’re trying to warm as many hearts as possible. At the same time, it’s really important to support our local businesses," said Tregobov, who founded Charleswood Cheer hamper program and co-founded Gowns for Grads.
"I’m encouraging people to become secret admirers and have a box dropped off at a nursing home or for front-line staff. If you know a person who doesn’t have a Valentine this year, you could surprise them with a box of treats and make them feel special."
Tregobov also points out that Feb. 15 is Singles Awareness Day. Through her matchmaking business, she welcomes people to contact her if they’re interested in finding that special someone.
"I’m the only matchmaker in Manitoba and I’ve been matchmaking for 27 years. I’m gifted with a very keen and unique intuitive ability. I’ve matched thousands of people and married off hundreds of people. Some of the stories are absolutely incredible," said Tregobov, who has even served as a marriage commissioner for her matched couples.
During the pandemic, her matchmaking business has been booming since many single people are feeling isolated and are reaching out in an effort to meet someone.
"I’ve had clients who have fallen in love during COVID. It’s caused a new way for people to get to know each other and it’s been beautiful," she said.
"People have had to be extremely creative and actually need to put safety in front of desire. The sense of urgency has been eliminated. As a result, there are some really solid connections."
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Tregobov encourages everyone to share the love and find someone to spoil — whether it’s a sweetheart, a stranger or even yourself.
She reminds community members to get their orders in as soon as possible for Share the Love (Not COVID) treat boxes. Anyone with questions about the Valentine’s project — or about how to start a love search — can contact Tregobov at 204-888-1529.