Mar 1, 2008

Chinatown shop puts ‘Old World’ into oursBy Michael SasgesCanada.com

To speak with Chinatown retailers Michael Bennett and Daniel Poulin is to learn in equal measure about commerce and community, “them” and “us.”

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the launch of their Peking Lounge furniture and furnishings store on East Pender, the two men last week reviewed what they now know that they didn’t know in the beginning.

They now know that historic Chinatown is much missed by those of us who remember when.

They know that more and more of us are asking that the additions to our interior spaces demonstrate more story than style.

They know that some of us are possessed with the inclination and ability to drape an old object in a new purpose.

They know how harsh life is on the streets of the Downtown Eastside, knowledge that motivated their fifth-anniversary gift to the community: their “No Kung” campaign.

For five weeks, they will donate five per cent of Peking Lounge’s sales to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre; for five weeks, visitors to the store can contribute to the centre through a money pot in the store.

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