Hey Neighbor,
Let’s address the elephant in the room right off the bat: yes, this premiere issue is hitting your inbox a little late. But there’s a darn good reason for it. I wanted to make absolutely sure that your very first taste of The Abby Rundown was packed to the gills with exactly what you can expect from us every single week. Consider this your exclusive sneak peek behind the curtain.
Moving forward, here is the deal we are striking today:
Every single Thursday morning, while you’re brewing your first cup of coffee, a brand-new issue will be waiting for you. It costs you exactly zero dollars, and I promise it will take you no more than 5 to 10 minutes to scan.
But don't expect the usual, dry, boring garbage that clutters up your inbox. Instead, we’re delivering a fast-paced, highly curated digest of everything that actually matters in Abbotsford:
The Good News First: Upbeat, local stories that won’t ruin your morning appetite.
The Ultimate Weekend Playbook: The best upcoming local events so you actually have plans this weekend.
The Abbotsford History Minute: A quick, fascinating look back at how our community became what it is today.
The Savings Radar: The absolute best local deals, hidden discounts, and ways to keep more cash in your wallet.
Our single, solitary mission? To brighten up your Thursday, give you killer ideas for the week ahead, and keep you the smartest, most informed person on your block.
So, pour that coffee, dive in, and welcome to the club!
To your local success,
Jim Wright Founder, The Abby Rundown
The Good News First:
Massive Win for McHappy Day
Abbotsford Steps Up: $38,000 Raised for Families in Need
The Rundown: When it comes to supporting a good cause, our community doesn't mess around. On May 6th, nine local McDonald’s locations across Abbotsford and Aldergrove (operated by DME Restaurants) took part in the annual McHappy Day fundraiser. Thanks to local guest donations, a week-long online silent auction backed by local business owners, and everyone rounding up their bills, we collectively raised over $38,000. Every single dime of that is heading straight to Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon to help keep families close to hospitals while their kids undergo medical treatment. Pat yourselves on the back, Abbotsford!
The Run For Water 5K & 10K
Sunday, May 24th, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Mill Lake Park
Looking for a reason to lace up the sneakers next weekend? The annual Run for Water is back at Mill Lake Park. Whether you are aiming for a personal best on the 10K track or just want a scenic, coffee-fueled morning walk for the 5K Fun Run, it’s one of the most beautiful community-driven events of the spring. It showcases the very best of Mill Lake and supports a phenomenal cause.
Abby Rundown History Minute
🪵 The Abbotsford History Minute: The Secret Under Mill Lake
Every time you take a stroll around Mill Lake Park, you are walking right on top of Abbotsford’s original industrial powerhouse.
Back in 1903, the lake wasn't a peaceful sanctuary for ducks and walkers—it was the bustling, noisy heart of the Abbotsford Lumber Company, founded by the Trethewey brothers. The lake itself was used as a massive log pond, where giant old-growth timber was floated directly to a cutting-edge sawmill sitting right on the shore.
By the 1920s, this single mill was one of the largest employers in the entire province, running a network of private train tracks to haul lumber out to the main rail lines.
When the timber was eventually cleared out and the mill shut down, the city stepped in to transform the industrial site into the beautiful park we enjoy today. But here is a fun secret: if you look closely into the water near the boardwalk on a perfectly clear day, you can still see some of the old, preserved wooden pilings from the original 100-year-old mill docks resting at the bottom of the lake!
🌦️ Your Weekend Weather Radar
“Don't let the clouds fool you—the sun is waiting to break through just in time for your Sunday afternoon walk.”
🌦️ Saturday: Expect a mostly cloudy day with light, scattered showers drifting through the area. We’re looking at a high of 14°C with a steady southwest breeze. Keep a light jacket or umbrella handy if you’re heading out, but the showers will begin tapering off as we head into the evening, dropping to a cool overnight low of 8°C.
☀️ Sunday: The clear winner of the weekend! The morning will start with a mix of sun and cloud, clearing out to a beautiful, mostly sunny afternoon. Temperatures will bounce back up to a comfortable 18°C with only a minimal 20% chance of any stray drops. It’s the perfect day to head down to Mill Lake Park.
🌤️ Monday (Holiday Outlook): If you’ve got an extra day off, the solid weather holds. We’ll see a clean mix of sun and clouds with pleasant temperatures hitting 18°C once again. Excellent conditions for a patio lunch or a little backyard yard work.
Savings Radar
🛒 The Savings Radar: Cut Your Grocery Bill Right Now
Let’s be honest: walking into a grocery store lately feels like a minor financial trauma. But if you’re still paying full retail price for high-quality meat, produce, and dairy in Abbotsford, you’re leaving serious cash on the table.
Right now, smart local shoppers are using a free app called Flashfood to score massive, 50% off discounts on perfectly good groceries at our local Real Canadian Superstore and Ray’s No Frills on Marshall Road.
The stores use the app to quickly clear out surplus inventory, giant produce boxes, and premium meats approaching their best-by dates. You browse the deals from your couch, buy them instantly for half price right inside the app, and then swing by the designated "Flashfood Zone" at the front of the store to pick up your haul. No clipping coupons, no hassle, just direct savings.
If you like eating like a king on a working man's budget, do yourself a favor:
👉 Here is how you get the app. Go to the APP store and Search for the Flashfood App.
Download The App!
Use Referral Code W.J4PHX7 and if you spend over $7 you will get a $5 bonus and of course I will as well to use on your next Flashfood deal.
Check the App daily and if there is something you want grab it right away. My wife and I have saved hundreds of Dollars on meat and bread over the last year.
Download the App - it is FREE!!