The Sidekick

Obviously we don’t need to reiterate how much the Sidekick means to your bookshop Dads, but just in case…

We aren’t the only couple who took wedding or engagement photos in the Sidekick. This place meant so much to so many, but it was indeed a special piece of Chris’ heart. Lovingly and carefully and meticulously stocked, decorated, minded, and supervised. So it was only natural to meet there, on the day of our wedding, to have our usual morning before heading to City Hall and doing the deed.

The Sidekick meant a lot to so many (as evidenced by yesterday, our last day, packed and surrounded by some much love) but most especially us. Truly and dearly and queerly us. It was the community and strength and acceptance and care that was fostered here that allowed Chris to come out as trans, to be seen as he is. To find people who would love him still and fiercely and impossibly while he figured it out and continues to.

Our small businesses, our cafes, our community spaces- they aren’t just places. They are people. They are reflections of our hearts, our wants and desires, our intentions. Thank you for seeing ours and supporting it. If we can take anything away from this, it is to put those changes and big dreams into the world because they give you back what you pour in and sometimes if you are lucky like we have been… they give you more than you ever could have asked for. And to look around your neighbourhoods, to see this, to foster and care for this. To cheer for this, to support the people who make beautiful things. And, even though this particular space isn’t here- keep the spirit, keep the friends you made here, the love that you felt here, the everything and more.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

🖤

Ever wanted a burlap sack of your very own? Well now's your chance!

Sidekick is now giving out FREE burlap bags to any takers! These highly functional and desirable bags come with a wide array of coffee-related decals and in a variety of colours (of beige). Some even come with old, unroasted coffee beans!

Some things you can use them for:
- Gardening
- Sack races
- Wiping up tears after your favourite cafe/comic book store closes
- Costumes (you're beans)
- Bank robbing
- Making yourself itchy

The possibilities are endless! Stop by soon and pick out an appealing bag today, available while supplies last!