Sweet Dreams Can Come True: RoyPop Candy Celebrates Grand Opening in Port Perry

COLLEEN GREEN The Standard

SCUGOG: RoyPop Candy officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, on Friday, June 24th, welcoming community leaders, supporters and residents to its new location, at 76 Water Street, in Port Perry.

Joining owners, Margret Kizza and Ronald Magala, for the celebration were: Scugog Mayor, Wilma Wotten; Durham Regional Chair, John Henry; Doug Ellis, representing MPP Todd McCarthy's office; Ward 3 Councillor, Terry Coyne; members of the North Durham Chamber of Commerce and local residents.

Margret Kizza told guests, her journey to opening the candy store began three years ago, when she started working in Port Perry as a personal support worker. "I've visited many homes here, and that's part of the reason why I fell in love with this community," she said. "From the very beginning, the people here welcomed me with kindness, respect and friendship. I will always be grateful for the love and support you have shown me."

Originally from Uganda, Mrs. Kizza spent much of her career working as a social worker. "Helping people has always been my passion," she said. "As I thought about starting a business, I wanted something that would continue to bring joy to others, put smiles on people's faces, especially children, and create happy memories for families."

The inspiration for RoyPop Candy came during a trip to Germany, last year, where Mrs. Kizza visited a candy shop. "At that moment my heart said, 'Yes, this is it,'" she recalled.

After returning to Canada, she shared the idea with her husband, Ronald, an engineer by profession, who works in vehicle sales, at Whitby Oshawa Honda.

"I convinced him to join me on this journey," she said with a smile. "Together we combined our different skills, ideas and experience, and that is how RoyPop Candy came to life."

The couple carefully built the store, piece by piece, creating a colourful and welcoming space for visitors of all ages. "We added everything, little by little, carefully creating a place that is colourful, welcoming and fun for everyone," Mrs. Kizza said. "Seeing it all come together has been an incredible journey."

RoyPop Candy features more than 100 varieties of candy, allowing customers to mix and match their favourites. All their candy is sold by weight, giving visitors the freedom to create their own custom selection.

Mrs. Kizza praised the support received from the community and local organizations. "We have never experienced a community with so much encouragement, generosity and love," she said. "We are sincerely grateful to the North Durham Chamber of Commerce for its support and to the entire Port Perry community for believing in us." She added, the store has already become more than a place to purchase sweets. "People don't just come in to buy candy. They stay to chat, share stories and connect with us," she said. "Those conversations remind us, this store is about much more than sweets and treats. It's about building relationships and bringing people together."

Looking ahead, Margret and her husband Ronald plan to remain active members of the community. "We promise to remain connected to our community, support local initiatives and participate in community development projects, whenever we can," Mrs. Kizza said. "We are here to serve everyone, create fun experiences and offer treats which bring happiness to people of all ages."

She closed by thanking everyone who attended the celebration. "Thank you for welcoming us into your community and for celebrating this special day with us," she said. "Your support means more than words can express, and we are forever grateful."