ABOUT US
A musician, a farmer and a stonemason walk into a bar ... well they did. OK, it was a coffee bar, but still. In fact, they walked into the Stick every day. All retired, they would meet at the Stick for local gossip, political discussions and friendly banter. It was a ritual, one they hated to miss.
But on April 15th, they found out the Stick would close its doors in July.
​They were devastated, not able to imagine this same group finding each other at any other coffee shop. They looked at each other and said NO WAY, we have to DO something.
​Now, none of the three amigos could afford to simply buy the Stick. But then they had this crazy idea. What if the community itself bought the Stick? So many Sookies have a story to tell about a person they met there, a great gathering, or just memories of happy hours chatting with locals and advising tourists about the best places to see. What if they all came together to keep the legacy of the Stick alive?
​That was April 15th. By April 25th emails had been sent out to the BC Cooperative Association, Vancity had been contacted, and a public meeting at the library had determined there was enough interest to pursue this idea.​
The original 3 has now become a 6 person steering committee with, thankfully, a couple of business owners bringing their experience to the table. And just 8 weeks from that fateful news of the impending closure, the Sooke Community Investment Cooperative has been incorporated.​
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WENDY O'CONNOR
President
Wendy has been a loyal customer of Café Vosino (then called Stick in the Mud) since moving to Sooke in 2008. For her, stepping up to help save what she calls 'the beating heart of Sooke' was an easy decision. Wendy is a firm believer in the power of community, cooperation, and kindness. After retiring from the Canadian Forces, she now devotes her time to studying music and enjoying camping adventures with her husband, Chris, in their truck camper.
ANDREW MOORE
Director
Andrew - loves co-ops! He has lived in co-ops, worked in co-ops and established new co-ops, in the UK, Africa and Canada. He is an architect specializing in community development. Working with many First Nations around BC, he assists them to create a vision for the future and then helps transform these into reality, specializing in renewable energy, food security and cultural renaissance projects. He is a musician, performer and producer.
RAYMONA SUTTON
Director, HR , Admin
Raymona served 32 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a musician, administrator, and operations manager, managing up to 200 personnel on tours around the world. She moved to Sooke mid 2018, and has fallen in love with this community and it's natural beauty. Raymona is passionate about animals and of course, loves a good Vosino latte!
ADRIEN LAMOUREUX
Director
Adrien is a longtime software developer and solo entrepreneur working on indie apps and tech projects. He moved to Sooke because he loves its small-town spirit and beautiful surroundings. As a new board member of the Sooke Co-op, Adrien is excited to support the co-op’s coffee shop and help create a welcoming spot where neighbors can connect. He believes in working together to make Sooke an even better place to call home.
ALEX ALLISON
Director, Secretary, Marketing
Alex brings a passion for community-directed organization to his role on the board. Alex has over a decade of experience working in corporate marketing on campaigns for some of the world’s largest brands. A relative newcomer to Sooke, Alex enjoys getting outdoors with his husband and two dogs, photography, and being wildly mediocre at rock climbing.
JIM MEUNIER
Director
Jim is a retired masonry contractor and also a long time coffee drinker. His godmother moved to Sooke in 1969. His family has been visiting Sooke ever since. He moved to town in 2003 and did most of the masonry work in Sunriver. He usually met the crew and began the day with a good coffee at the stick. he has many good memories of friends and staff met at the Stick in the Mud.
CHARLES DILBA
Director, Treasurer
Chuck Dilba is a retired public practice Chartered Accountant. He plays goal for the Oak Bay Old Boys soccer club. He is constantly adding to his eclectic music CD collection. He is a semi-amateur photographer. In the kitchen, he is known for his world-famous mango salsa and adventurous cooking. He, his wife, and extended family moved to Sooke four years ago; so far it has been a great experience. Chuck is the proud grandfather of two girls.
ARON LAXTON
Director
​OLI HATHAWAY
Director
Born and raised on the island, Oli has been an employee at the Stick in the Mud since July 2021, beginning work shortly after his family moved to Sooke. Through his work at the Stick in the Mud, Oli discovered a passion for coffee, and an even bigger passion for community. Oli now works as Café Vosino's Head Barista, striving to bring amazing vibes and equally amazing coffee to the community! Aside from his love for coffee, Oli has a passion for fashion, the arts, gaming, and his four cats.
GLEN MERX
​Director, HR
TREVOR TOZER
​Director