Nestled in the heart of Madeira Park, Ground Waves West is open for business, and Erin and Bruce Hirst are excited to be here.
Ground Waves originated in Perth, Ontario. The big move out to the Sunshine Coast was triggered after the fourth of their five children joined his siblings and moved “out west” and decided he was staying. “We hated to leave our daughter and grandkids who were nearby in Toronto, but the call of the west and the great weather and scenery was too much.” So Erin and Bruce made the leap across the country and settled in Pender Harbour. Erin said it was “love at first sight” when she arrived on the Sunshine Coast.
Retirement? Ground Waves West is their retirement plan. While Bruce is still very active with his other business, executive coaching and consulting, they are running full steam ahead with their second Ground Waves. “It’s important to do things that give pleasure,” says Erin. They love people and are keen to be part of the local community.
Ground Waves has always been about gathering unique finds and local artists together in one store. Erin has an eye for beautiful and useful products for home and gifting. The store’s motto comes from a quote from Marianne Williamson—“Leave them feeling good”—whether they buy anything or not.
The Madeira store will be filled with works of many artists from the Coast, including local graphic designs from Wild Mountain Designs, Wendie Milner’s natural body-care products and pieces by the Pink Squirrel Sign Company.
Or are you looking for delicious local treats? Stop by and pick up a box of vegan caramels and chocolate from Hooray Truffles, gluten-free brownies, locally roasted coffee, or Christopher Norman Chocolates from Halfmoon Bay.
The kids’ area will be decorated with an underwater theme and filled with “grandma-friendly toys.” You will find cars, your next best furry friend, funky retro toys made by Schilling, Jelly Cat animals, and Lottie dolls, to name a few treasures waiting to be discovered. Bruce even does magic for the kids.
Giving back is an important part of the Hirsts’ overall business structure. They are devoted to supporting early childhood education through our local Learning Centre in Madeira Park. They also support an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, where their line of beautiful, delicate jewelry originates.
They have a wonderful sales team and have so much fun working together. As a family business, all their children have helped in sourcing products and their daughter Megan runs the back office with Bruce. As Erin says, “More hands make for light work.” She embraces a management style that nurtures the best in people.
Erin and Bruce have received positive support from the community and are looking forward to meeting everyone. They are currently open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am–4 pm. Head on over to Ground Waves West and welcome new friends to Madeira Park.
Ground Waves West is located at 1-12887 Madeira Park Road in Madeira Park, Pender Harbour.
