Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

My name is Sandy Wong, and I am the founder and CEO of Rugs by Roo. The foundation of Rugs by Roo is rooted in my personal journey and commitment to making a difference. As a mother of three, I spent countless hours researching cribs, mattresses, and rugs for my first child, determined to create a safe and healthy environment. Despite my efforts, I remained concerned about greenwashing and hidden dangers in these products. This frustration ignited a desire for change. A pivotal moment for me was watching the documentary "The Price of Free," which exposed the harsh realities of child labor in the carpet and rug industry. Seeing children as young as four—the same age as my daughter at the time—working in factories was heartbreaking. Their greatest fear was being unable to return home to their families. This emotional experience galvanized my resolve to make a meaningful impact. From that moment, this mission has driven me. Rugs by Roo was founded to provide transparency, safety, and sustainability in home furnishings. Our mission is a world united, kind, and generous. Over 97% of the US population has microplastics and PFAS chemicals in their bloodstream. Annually, 9.8 million tons of furniture end up in US landfills. More poignantly, over 160 million children are in labor worldwide, many in the carpet and rug sector. These are not just statistics; they represent real lives and futures at stake. Every day, I am driven by the conviction that our choices matter. What we buy and bring into our homes impacts our health, our planet, and the future of children globally. I am dedicated to ensuring that these children have limitless opportunities, with no child left behind. Our partnership with GoodWeave ensures our rugs are produced without child or forced labor, with a portion of sales funding educational initiatives in the communities where they are made. Each rug we sell supports a child's education, paving the way for a brighter future. Our commitment to sustainability is exemplified by our Tuft Love collection, the world's first GOTS certified machine washable rug line. Our rugs enhance the aesthetic appeal of homes while contributing to the well-being of their inhabitants. Rugs by Roo is more than a business; it is a movement towards healthier living spaces, a cleaner planet, and a future where every child can thrive. This journey is deeply personal and fuels my unwavering commitment to our mission.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

At Rugs by Roo, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. Our commitment to community support is demonstrated through various initiatives aimed at uplifting local organizations and fostering sustainable practices. Month of Giving: One of our significant community initiatives was the "Month of Giving" campaign, during which we donated 50 blankets to Mamas for Mamas, a local charity in Vancouver dedicated to supporting mothers and caregivers in crisis. Additionally, we collected and matched monetary donations for the same organization. This initiative not only provided immediate relief to families in need but also raised awareness about the vital work of Mamas for Mamas. Sustainable Sourcing: We are actively exploring sourcing sustainable lumber from British Columbia for our furniture collection. This initiative aims to reduce our carbon footprint while supporting local businesses. By partnering with local furniture makers and artists, we are fostering a community of sustainability and creativity. These partnerships have been met with enthusiasm and support, further strengthening our ties to the local community. Employee and Volunteer Involvement: Our employees are integral to our community support efforts. They participated in the "Month of Giving" by helping to collect donations and spread the word about our campaign. Their dedication and passion for making a difference have significantly amplified the impact of our initiatives. Community Recognition: The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Mamas for Mamas expressed heartfelt gratitude for our contributions, noting the immediate impact on the families they support. Local businesses and artists have also shown strong support for our sustainable sourcing efforts, recognizing the mutual benefits of these partnerships. Metrics and Outcomes: 50 blankets donated to Mamas for Mamas, providing warmth and comfort to families in need. $2,500 matched donations collected and contributed to Mamas for Mamas, supporting their essential programs. Exploration of sustainable lumber sourcing from BC, aiming to launch a furniture collection that supports local industries and reduces environmental impact. Through these initiatives, Rugs by Roo has not only provided tangible support to the community but also fostered a culture of giving and sustainability.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Rugs by Roo is deserving of the Business Impact Award because we embody the values of sustainability, health, and ethical practices, making a profound and positive impact on our community and beyond. We are dedicated to creating a healthier living environment for our customers by offering non-toxic, sustainable, and ethically-made products. Our zero waste challenge and the introduction of the Tuft Love collection, the world's first GOTS certified machine washable rug line, showcase our commitment to reducing waste and promoting health-conscious choices. Our "Month of Giving" campaign, where we donated 50 blankets to Mamas for Mamas and matched monetary donations, demonstrates our dedication to supporting local charities and uplifting those in need. Our Mother's Legacy event further highlighted our commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of mothers in our community. Through our partnership with GoodWeave, we ensure that our rugs are free from child and forced labor. By working closely with our suppliers to maintain high standards of product safety and sustainability, we have influenced positive changes in their practices, further extending our impact. Our core values—leadership, integrity, vitality, fun, and transformation—guide our interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, and staff. We foster a culture of intentional living and personal growth, which has led to increased openness, creativity, and collaboration within our team. This culture of continuous improvement and ethical leadership has earned us the trust and support of our community. We are on track to achieve B Corp certification by the end of 2025, which will further validate our commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This certification will be a testament to our dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Winning the Small Business BC Business Impact Award would recognize and validate the hard work and dedication that has gone into making Rugs by Roo a beacon of hope and positive change in the home furnishings industry. It would also provide us with the resources and motivation to expand our initiatives, further supporting our community and promoting sustainable and ethical business practices. At Rugs by Roo, we are not just a business; we are a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable, and ethically responsible world. This award would honor our achievements and inspire us to continue making change.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Rugs by Roo, our core values—leadership, integrity, vitality, fun, and transformation—are the foundation of our culture, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and health. Our WHY is to ignite intentional living, a principle woven into our DNA. We start every team meeting with each member sharing how they have intentionally improved their lifestyle that day. This practice reinforces our commitment to mindful and purposeful living. Our team embodies sustainability in daily practices. One year, we undertook a 30-day zero waste challenge, recording daily discoveries and alternative solutions to reduce waste. This exercise heightened our awareness and commitment to sustainable living, both personally and professionally. This past Mother’s Day, we hosted a Mothers Legacy event, inviting mothers to share their learnings and contributions. This event acknowledged their vital role in nurturing both their children and their communities, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation. We are on track to be B Corp certified by the end of 2025, with plans and budget allocated to achieve this milestone. This certification will further validate our dedication to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The majority of our team members are immersed in personal development programs. These programs help them uncover and address deep-seated patterns shaped by childhood experiences, fostering freedom, love, and leadership in their daily interactions. This personal growth has brought clarity, openness, creativity, and freedom to our workplace conversations. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure product safety and sustainability. By obtaining detailed information, test lab results, and certification papers, we maintain high standards. In some cases, our diligence has led suppliers to discontinue products with hazardous materials, exemplifying our commitment to integrity and safety. We support and collaborate with other local sustainable brands. Recently, we partnered with Wilet, a bed linen company, and Henrie, a pillow company, both based in Vancouver. These collaborations included photoshoots showcasing our collective commitment to sustainability and non-toxic products. Our leadership style is grounded in ethical and respectful interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, and staff. We lead by example, ensuring that our actions reflect our core values.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Rugs by Roo is deeply embedded in the heart of our community, and our unwavering commitment to sustainability, health, and ethical practices has earned us the loyal support of our customers and partners. We believe we deserve to win the Premier's People's Choice Award because our community stands behind us, and we have a proven track record of engaging and inspiring them. Our initiatives, such as the "Month of Giving," where we donated 50 blankets to Mamas for Mamas and matched monetary donations, have resonated deeply with our community. Our Mother's Legacy event celebrated the contributions of mothers, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation among our participants. These efforts have solidified our reputation as a business that genuinely cares about and invests in our community. We excel at using imaginative and creative tactics to engage our community. From our zero waste challenge that heightened awareness about sustainable living to our collaborations with local brands like Wilet and Henrie, we constantly find new ways to connect with and inspire our supporters. Our team's active participation in local events, such as annual running events, further strengthens our bonds within the community. Our commitment to providing non-toxic, sustainable, and ethically-made products has garnered a loyal customer base that passionately supports our mission. We regularly receive positive feedback and testimonials from customers who appreciate our dedication to health and sustainability. This strong customer loyalty is a testament to the trust and respect we have earned over the years. We have a robust presence on social media and digital platforms, where we actively engage with our audience through informative and inspiring content. Our social media campaigns, newsletters, and blog posts keep our community informed about our latest initiatives, products, and events. This consistent engagement has created a vibrant and interactive online community that is ready to support us in the Premier's People's Choice Award. Winning the Premier's People's Choice Award would be a significant milestone for Rugs by Roo. It would help us raise our profile within the industry, attract new customers, and further solidify our reputation as a leader in sustainability and ethical business practices.