Celebrate Father’s Day with Island Goodness

Sam and Ron Vermeulen, Hazel’s Ice Cream

Paul Gill, Sutra Sauces

Father’s Day is around the corner and if you are racking your brain on what to give your dad this year Island Good has you covered! There are so many options grown and made here on Vancouver Island and the rural islands.

But beyond the perfect gift, Father’s Day is also a time to reflect on what fatherhood means—and how family and local roots shape so many Island Good businesses.

We asked a couple of Island Good producers to share what Father’s Day means to them. Paul Gill of Sutra Sauces shared what drives him as a father and Sam Vermeulen from Hazel’s Ice Cream reflected on the bond he’s built working alongside his dad.

Paul Gill, the flavour mastermind behind Sutra Sauces, knows the hustle that comes with being a father and an entrepreneur, “Because I’m a father, whenever I get tired from working 8 days a week, I just ask myself my WHY—it’s my children. All of the sudden, I have the energy to work 13 days a week!”

For Sam from Hazel’s Ice Cream, building a business with his Dad came out of a strong sense of mutual respect and trust that goes beyond the father-son relationship. “When we are talking about business, we can set aside the typical dynamic and focus on problem solving. When we started Hazel’s, the question of “Were you nervous about starting a company with your family?” always came up. I would share the story of when I was in my teens and my dad and I were most at odds and we had to build a deck out at our family cabin. When we had that job to do, it felt like we set everything aside and had a really good day while accomplishing something together. When it comes to running Hazel’s, I was confident that when it comes down to getting something done, we could always just look at the task at hand and remove all the other opinions and dynamics.”

“The best memory of starting Hazel’s was all the pre-business stuff. I love seeing Hazel’s be the company it is now but when it was just my dad and I in the living room, it was really exciting. When a business is in the start-up/idea phase, it’s the most personal and almost like a fun secret to share with your friends and family. I look back on that time really fondly.”

This Father’s Day, shop Island Good and support the local makers, farmers, and producers who pour their passion into creating amazing products—all while supporting their families.

Here are a few Island Good gift ideas for Dad:

• A package of Sutra Sauces for the chef-extraordinaire dad
• A soup pack from Ed’s Soup Shack or pasture-raised meats from your local BC Farmer’s Market
• A multi-pack of Hazel’s Ice Cream bars to share after dinner
• Locally roasted coffee, artisan chocolate, or Island-made grooming products

No matter how you celebrate, make it Island Good—because the best gifts come with a story.

Find your Father’s Day favourites at islandgood.ca

Click here to print out a list of all our Island Good businesses!

Island Good Spotlight – Tree Island Yogurt

Located in the Comox Valley, Tree Island Yogurt is owned by Scott DiGiustini and Merissa Myles. Tree Island Gourmet Yogurt is delightfully creamy, wholesome, and delicious. The company is known nationally for its unique recipes and strong commitment to sustainability. You can find Tree Island Yogurt in stores across Vancouver Island and throughout BC.

If your product could speak, what would it say about you?

We are passionate about what we do. We’re focused on teamwork, science and sharing our love of good food.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your business/products?

Tree Island Yogurt starts with 100% Vancouver Island Milk from family farms and you can find it at grocers from Port McNeill to Victoria. We won an innovation award for our recipes and our yogurts are recognized across Canada – so you can truly get one of the best yogurts in Canada right here on Vancouver Island.

What’s your favourite part about sourcing or creating right here on the Island?

You really get to understand the care that goes into farming by working with local family farms. Dairy farming is a 365 day per year job. We receive fresh milk everyday and can transform it into delicious and nutritious yogurt that is fresh to grocers in just a few days. It is really a nutritious and delicious food source that is Island Good.

Island Good in the News

The Value of Island Good, Why it Matters

Thanks to Island Farm and Garden magazine for featuring Island Good in their April 2025 issue.

In a world of changing food prices and supply challenges, choosing local is more important than ever. Discover how Island Good supports our community, keeps food fresh, and builds a resilient local food system. Read the full article and learn why Island Good truly matters!

Upcoming Events

Island Good Days are coming — May 30 to June 6, 2025!

Island Good Days will take place from May 30 to June 6th in 2025!

Get ready to celebrate local! Island Good Days is your chance to discover and support the amazing makers, growers, and producers right here on Vancouver Island and the rural islands.

All week long, you’ll find special events like sales, tastings and demos — hosted by your favourite Island Good businesses. It’s the perfect time to explore new products, meet the folks behind them, and shop local.

Want to know what’s happening near you? Follow us on social media, and don’t miss the stories and event highlights we’ll be sharing throughout the week!

Tune In for Island Good Days on Pattison Radio!

We’re spreading the word about Island Good — and that means promoting you, our amazing members!

Starting May 10, listen for Island Good across local Pattison Radio stations as we kick off a media campaign highlighting Island Good products and building excitement for Island Good Days.

A huge thank you to Island Good Vancouver Island Gift Basket for donating three beautiful prize baskets filled with Island Good products! These baskets will be given away through the Wave, Eagle and the Beach radio stations as part of the promotion.

Help Us Spread the Word – Discounts for Local Businesses Joining Island Good!

Know a local business that should be part of Island Good? Now’s the perfect time to tell them!

• Chamber members in Comox Valley, Duncan-Cowichan, Cowichan Lake, Ladysmith, Parksville, and the Sooke Region get 25% off their membership thanks to reciprocal Chamber memberships.
• Businesses new to Island Good in the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) & the City of Campbell River and Port Alberni get 50% off their first-year licensing. Thanks to the CVRD, Community Futures Cowichan Region and the City of Campbell River for championing local businesses and supporting Island Good.

This applies to makers, growers, manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants offering local products.

Encourage them to sign up—we’ll apply the discount to their invoice! Let’s keep growing the Island Good movement together.

We’re actively working with other communities to bring them on board to support Island Good in a similar way—stay tuned!