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Grant Bryan, co-owner of O’Hare’s GastroPub & Liquor Store, with Allison Sam. The two collaborated on a community puzzle and game exchange, which is now open for borrowing and donations.
Photo courtesy Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives
Donations sought for Community Puzzle and Game Exchange
Published 10:54 PST, Tue December 23, 2025
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As the weather gets colder, it’s a perfect time to stay inside and sit down with a puzzle or board game. If you don’t have one on hand, not to worry: a new puzzle and game exchange has just opened at O’Hare’s GastroPub & Liquor Store.
The project is the brainchild of local teenager Allison Sam, who got the idea from the little free libraries found throughout Metro Vancouver neighbourhoods. Instead of books, however, Sam wanted to create a repository for puzzles and games, so community members could take or leave them at any time.
To cover the cost of materials, she successfully applied for a Youth Neighbourhood Small Grant, a program administered by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) through which residents can receive up to $500 for a community project.
Sam then met with Grant Bryan, of O’Hare’s, to determine the location and colour of the library, and worked with her dad on the design.
“This initiative is an excellent way to foster community connections, while also promoting sustainability and a circular economy,” says Ryan Luetzen, Director of Operations at RCRG. “Above all, it shows that a young person, with a little support, can turn an idea into an impactful community project.”
While the puzzle and game exchange has several items available to borrow, there’s space for many more, and Sam is hoping community members will bring donations to help grow the collection.
O’Hare’s GastroPub & Liquor Store is located at 5031 Steveston Hwy.
Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) is a registered charity that serves as a hub for volunteering and giving. RCRG is also a direct service provider, operating a Child Care Resource & Referral Centre, the Richmond Christmas Fund, and a variety of Seniors Community Support Services. rcrg.org
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