2024 ESG Report
A taste of home for new students
January 8, 2026
Across the country, our stores are at the heart of their communities, and for many university and college students, that community is brand new. For those studying at Toronto Metropolitan University, a friendly face is waiting right next door at Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens, thanks to Store Manager Deneth Kahadawala and his team.
They have created a unique program: a tour for new students designed to help them feel at home. And for students like Evie Swanson, it made all the difference.
"I had just moved in and was coming to get groceries," Evie recalls. She saw a group of people welcoming students and joined the tour. It was more than she expected. "They talked about career and experience; they gave us samples and toured us around the various departments at the store," Evie says. "I enjoyed the tour and took the opportunity to ask for a job."
The tour is designed to introduce students to the store, from the international aisles and bakery to the juice bar where Evie now works. They get to try samples, learn about the 10% student discount available at select locations, and see the wide range of multicultural foods available. "It was so fascinating to see food from around the world. Anyone can find what they’re looking for, even when they’re far from home," Evie adds. It’s a scene that plays out in our stores from coast to coast, where a diverse selection of products helps connect people to their culture and a taste of home.
This idea of creating a home away from home is central to Deneth's vision. He came to Canada as a student himself in 2000 and remembers the challenges of a completely new world. "We're not just selling products but also showcasing the diversity that we have. Our diverse offerings show that we cater to everyone," he explains.
For Evie, the store became more than just a place to work and shop. Moving from Vancouver to Toronto where she didn’t know anyone, it was hard to find ways to connect. Her job was the one regular thing in her life. "This is a third space to go to and see the same faces, which made me feel a sense of community," she explains. The simple act of colleagues saying "hi" and asking if she needed help made a huge impact.
Deneth is thrilled to see the program's success through stories like Evie's. The tour’s success has also seen a few more students landing jobs at Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens. It confirms his belief in building a community and giving people a chance.
Looking ahead, Deneth plans to continue hosting regular tours at his store. "I would like to see more students attending the tours, learning more about our business and having them start a career here," he says. Deneth’s store tours are a powerful example of a local idea with national potential, showcasing how one store can make a significant impact.
Evie agrees that the program has a powerful impact, making a scary move to a new city feel a little easier. "It's hard to feel out of place," she says. Her luck bumping into the tour helped her feel more at home. "I think these tours are something other stores should be doing as well. It would be a great help, not just for students but anyone new to the area."
