Active Champions

Ramon Alfonso Benedetti (Mr. Benny)

Ramon Alfonso Benedetti may be turning 80 this year, but nothing seems to slow him down! He is an optimistic guy with a big heart, and a desire to help those around him.

In 1916 Mr. Benedetti's father immigrated to Canada from Italy and opened Benny's Grocery in the Strathcona community. Mr. Benedetti grew up being a part of the goings-on of Benny's Grocery. Many of the Italian men that had immigrated to the neighbourhood would play card games with him at the store– they would play for a meat and cheese sandwich his mother would make called a "Panino"'.

Mr. Benedetti, known to most as "Mr. Benny", took over the management of Benny's Grocery. Many neighborhood children would come to buy lunch. However, their lunches were consisting of chips, pop and chocolate. Feeling concerned that the children were not eating nutritious food; Mr. Benedetti offered to make them a "Benny Burger", a fresh bun with Mortidella – real meat with no fillers. "Benny Burgers" proved to be a hit, and lunchtime promised a store full of hungry kids. Mr. Benedetti says it really pleases him to know that kids are eating a "Benny Burger". He adds a special note that he appreciates the Strathcona School meal program. "The staff is doing great work there."

Benny's Grocery features a beautiful deli and sandwich shop developed by Mr. Benedetti's daughter Janice, along with a complete selection of healthy groceries and gourmet foods. Customers understand that when coming to his store, they will be offered guidance and kind instruction on "healthier options". Mr. Benedetti believes in staying healthy and making healthy choices in life. His secrets to staying healthy over a lifetime include: consuming a Mediterranean diet, using olive oil and garlic, and staying away from pop. He also advises to quit consuming alcohol and to stop smoking. He practices what he preaches, and is quick to offer a helpful hand to those in need.

From our opinion, Mr. Benedetti's great outlook on life, and desire to help those around him will bring a blessing to those who visit his store for years to come.

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