You'd be hard-pressed to find someone in Bradford who hasn't met or heard of Bradford No Frills owner Peter Reali. Known for his generosity and big heart, donating to local town initiatives and fundraisers, Reali credits his parents for his giving spirit.
Peter James Reali grew up in North York with his mother, father, brother, and sister. Growing up, Reali’s parents worked hard to provide for Reali and his siblings. They were taught good morals and values and were put to work at an early age.
“The most important thing [my parents] taught me was love,” shares Reali. “I really felt loved."
Reali was taught to respect everyone and always help if someone was in need.
At age 15, Reali’s older brother got him a job at Rocco’s No Frills located at Keele and Sheppard in Toronto. This ‘first job' gave Reali some extra spending money and kept him busy. Little did he know that it would become a stepping stone to his career.
“I really liked my job and I was good at it," remembers Reali.
As time progressed, so did his responsibilities and Reali began to move up within the company.
Then, in 2001, Reali’s first daughter, Melissa, was born.
“That’s when I really became serious and passionate about my job,” expresses Reali, noting he was a young parent. “I started from the bottom and worked my way up to the top."
This ‘life-long journey’ is also how Reali met his wife, Daniela (although it was not until years later that they married).
In 2009, Reali transferred to the Vaughan No Frills where he became manager of the much larger store. During this time, Reali intended to apply for the No Frills Franchisee Training Program to gain more experience.
By 2010, Reali and Daniela had purchased their first home in the town of Bradford.
“I love where I came from but what a different type of place this is,” shares Reali about Bradford. “I hope to never have to leave this amazing community."
Reali and Daniela officially tied the knot in 2012 which was the same year he applied and was accepted into the No Frills Franchisee Training Program.
“The training program consisted of a lot of travel and hotels all over Ontario and Canada,” remembers Reali. “I have met and worked with so many amazing people since then and learned a lot."
A few short years later, Reali’s family started to grow. His second daughter, Ella, was born in February 2015, and his son, Anthony, was born that same year in December.
“Yes, I know,” jokes Reali.
Finally, he felt all his hard work and sacrifice paid off when he was lucky enough to franchise the store in his own town of Bradford. By March 2017, the No Frills in Bradford became ‘Reali’s No Frills’.
“It could not have worked out more perfectly,” states Reali. “I am blessed to have such an amazing group of staff who work hard, enjoy their job, and understand the No Frills concept; customer first, fresh is not a frill, and that we provide people with the most affordable food you can get – feed everyone!”
Reali adds that he hasn’t always been in a position to donate and support the community as much before, but now that he has a business in town, he feels it’s his “duty and pleasure” to give back any way he can.
“It’s very important to me to support those who support me and to help my community any way I can."
Reali’s No Frills sponsors sports teams such as The Bradford Soccer Club (Eagles), Bradford Minor Hockey (Bulldogs), Bradford Minor Baseball (Storm), and Dragon Force Academy (Soccer).
The store also supports and has donated to the Helping Hand Food Bank, A Hand Up (Clothing Room) and The Hub (CrossTrainers Canada), Out-of-the-Cold Café (WOW Living), Cubs Canada, and Scouts Canada, and has supported local schools, churches, the town, the Bradford Legion, and local families.
“If I had to pick one thing that I am most proud of, it would have to be a Christmas fundraiser we did last year for two families that had children spending Christmas at Sick Kids,” shares Reali. “I donated some prizes from the store that we raffled off to customers for two weeks and the grand prize was a TV. We were able to raise $2,000 for each family and to top it all off, the grand prize TV was never claimed! So, I was able to donate it to a local youth organization (The Hub)”.
The Town of Bradford has felt Reali’s love over the years since taking ownership of No Frills. So much so that the Helping Hand Food Bank and the Bradford Legion both presented him with certificates of recognition for all his support and donations.
“It feels good to know how much people appreciate it,” expresses Reali. “It feels great to give back!”
Reali adds, “I would like to thank all my family, friends and customers here in Bradford for your support. I would also like to say thank you to so many of these people and organizations that I support who use these offerings and their time to make people's lives better. The most valuable thing in this world is time. I donate what I can but all of you who spend so much time volunteering are heroes. Bradford and the world are better because of you. Thank you!”