HAVEN FOUNDATION | RFP 2022 01 – OVERVIEW

The Haven is seeking applications to provide food services to the guests and program attendees at the Haven Educational Centre located at 240 Davis Road, Gabriola, BC. This is a contract position with good revenue potential for an experienced food service person or group. The Haven is inviting qualified contractors to submit a proposal regarding this opportunity.

The Haven requires the applicant to have deep experience with the food service industry, with priority given to applicants who have a background in providing meal plans, banquet, and catering styles of service. The meals are required to have a selection of well-balanced, and nutritious options, with Haven guests requiring accommodation of dietary restrictions.

The Haven will pay a predetermined cost per meal rate, inclusive of food and labour. There will be no fee to the contractor for use of the kitchen while preparing food for Haven clientele. The contractor will order, manage, and execute the food services in a professional manner while following all safety standards and regulations as set by Vancouver Health and will have the appropriate permits for operating. The contractor can utilize the Haven kitchen facility at a per diem rate for independent catering and food service enterprise, to increase revenue streams.

The successful applicant will work collaboratively with the Haven management team to ensure high levels of client satisfaction. The Haven is committed to providing food services that ensure inclusion and quality. As well, The Haven is committed to sustainable practices and applicants are encouraged to show ethical, local and sustainable food practices.

The Haven’s 2022 season will start on April 1 and operate into December. The contract position is to be confirmed asap but no later than March 25th and will run for 10 months. The start date can be negotiated for a smooth transition for all parties involved.

The applicant must present evidence of experience, ability, capacity and references as outlined in this RFP. A site visit is encouraged prior to submitting a completed proposal.

Proposals will be reviewed on submission, and the RFP will remain open until an applicant is selected. Please note, the Haven is open to considering other food service models and would be interested to hear potential ideas.

The Haven

The Haven is a not-for-profit foundation, a professional training centre, an employer, a retreat centre and a long-standing member of the Gabriola community. Founded in 1983, by Jock McKeen, a western physician trained in Chinese medicine, and psychiatrist Bennet Wong, the Haven has been at the forefront of personal and professional development for over 35 years.

The Haven is located on beautiful Gabriola Island, on 7 acres of natural environment, a mix of ocean-side and forest that supports inner exploration and offers transformative learning programs for adults, youth, and kids. The Haven’s Gabriola Island campus facilities, food services and accommodations are designed to support programs and centre clients. To that end, The Haven’s campus is as much an engagement centre, as a retreat centre and includes:

● A central lodge containing the front desk, dining room, bar, gift shop, kitchen, and business offices

● Accommodations that can sleep up to 93 people, ranging from dormitory, basic, forest view, and ocean view

● An auditorium with a stage, costume room, sound and lighting system suitable for live performances and that can seat up to 165 people

● Program session rooms

● A fitness centre, hot tub, and seasonal-use swimming pool

● A games room, meditation room, and small library

● Private bodywork appointment rooms

● Laundry facilities for guests enrolled in longer programs and

● Maintenance and housekeeping facilities

● Large gardens, walking trails, picnic tables and a play area for children

The Haven rents out its facilities for conferences and events organized by other for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. The Auditorium is often rented for concerts, performances, and speaking engagements organized by Gabriola community members.

If you are interested in proceeding with a proposal or would like more info, please email Shelley to ask for the Request for Proposal (RFP 2022-01) outline with additional details at shelley@haven.ca.

The RFP consists of three parts:

Part A – Overview – a two-page, high-level overview of RFP 2022-01 and info about the Haven

Part B – The Haven’s Requirements – the Haven’s general and detailed requirements, and

Part C – Application – the information required to be in the proposal.

Thank you for your interest in working with the Haven.