STIRLING – The Pro One Stop convenience store and gas bar in Stirling has been a most popular stop for locals and tourists alike for thirty-five years. And for the past two decades, Min and Julie Yoo have made certain that it has been one of the friendliest stops in the little village with the big heart.
“I’ve been coming here for gas and my lottery tickets for years,” declared Shirley, a lifelong Stirling resident, “and I wouldn’t even think about stopping anywhere else. Julie greets everyone with a welcoming, friendly smile and she knows all of her regular customers by name.”
Min’s father, Chong Yoo, bought the business when the family relocated to Stirling from Toronto in 1990. Min and Julie took over management of the Pro One Stop almost twenty years ago and have made certain to preserve the original Yoo family commitment to helpful, friendly service ever since. And it was about a dozen years ago that the idea to hold a customer appreciation barbecue was first considered. “We simply wanted to do something to thank our wonderful customers,” explained Julie, “and the idea of inviting everyone to a barbeque lunch, right here, at our place of business seemed like the perfect idea.”
When members of the Stirling Rotary Club heard about the proposed event they quickly offered to lend a hand. “Min and Julie have always stepped up to support so many of our fundraisers over the years,” explained Stirling Rotarian, Laurie Osborne, “so we saw this as the perfect opportunity to return thanks for all that they do in our community.”
News travels fast in the Little Village With The Big Heart and when the local Lions’ club heard about the event, they were eager to help as well. “Our two service clubs already work together on various community projects,” noted Stirling Lion, Deb Brown, “and we simply wanted to be a part of this to show our club’s appreciation as well.”
And so it was that Min and Julie (with a little help from their friends) have staged this well-attended, annual event for almost a dozen years. This year’s barbeque, held last Saturday, on site, at the Pro One Stop, featured hot-off-the-grill, burgers and hot dogs along with a variety of cold drinks and tasty treats – all offered free of charge. Local musician, Dave Bush, performed ‘live’ and invited a few of his musical friends to offer some sweet-sounding tunes as well. And adding to the smiles on all faces (but most especially the small faces) was the colorful and imaginative talents of face painter, Laurie McMurtry.
“This community has been home to us for more than thirty years,” added Julie, “and we have always felt incredibly connected and so much at home here. It’s a wonderful feeling…”
If the success of an event can be measured by the smiles on all of the well-fed faces then this celebration was indeed a triumph.