Rouge Convenience store on Port Union Rd. at Fanfare after criminal attack by an excavator.
By Denise Bacon
“I was so shocked! When the police contacted us, I thought it was a break-in. When I saw the excavator in my store, my brain stopped for a few seconds.” This was the reaction by Amy Wang, co-owner of Rouge Convenience on Port Union Rd. at Fanfare, when she arrived at the scene of the crime that took place at 2:47 a.m. on June 23.
Amy, her husband Jacob, and their five-year-old son came to Canada in 2018 for a slower, peaceful life, different from the bustle of Beijing, China. Jacob’s uncle and aunt, the young family’s only relatives in Canada, had immigrated 15 years earlier and they had grown a good life here. Amy and Jacob wanted this new life for themselves and their son.
After working in entry level jobs for a couple of years, they seized the opportunity to take over from the retiring owners of Rouge Convenience in 2020. Working 13-hour days, seven days a week, Amy and Jacob learned the business and got to know their customers. They survived the pandemic slowdown and a break-in.
The year-long and ongoing Port Union Road construction slowed down business again as access into the plaza became awkward, even though the construction crew would come into the store for refreshments. Amy and Jacob soldiered on to manage their store between the two of them and continued to welcome their declining number of customers.
The excavator crime in June was a huge blow. Their source of employment and income has been halted. Their son Jason, who is now 12 years old, has grown up quickly under these circumstances. “I felt pretty bad about this huge damage, especially for my parents. I hope we open soon to serve our community,” said this young boy who would help Mom and Dad with stocking shelves with chips and pop in the store from time to time.
Amy and Jacob are getting support from their landlord who optimistically believes that the convenience store can reopen in October. They are anxiously awaiting financial help and a settlement from their insurance company.
As of mid-August, they had not received any insurance money nor any updates from the company or from Toronto Police. “It’s so hard with no steady income,” said Amy. Jacob has taken on part-time work to help make ends meet. Not knowing what the financial settlement will be to cover all the damage, lost products and income has been a huge source of stress, she said. In any case, she is thankful and relieved that they have a good insurance policy and is hoping for a fair settlement.
“Being newcomers has been an extra challenge – not knowing how insurance processes work in Canada.” Amy didn’t dream that they would need to learn how to navigate these processes and now they are completely enveloped in a world that she is learning.
Amy’s positive attitude towards such an unforeseen and dramatic crime is a testament to the family’s perseverance and goodwill. Her kindness showed as she spoke with empathy about the other merchants in the plaza. Even though they were not so badly affected by the excavator crime, their business has slowed down because of it.
“We want to let our customers know that we’re not going anywhere,” Amy said. “We will be back!”
CCRA extends best wishes to Rouge Convenience, and the community will cheer when they open their doors again.