Valbella Gourmet Foods co-owner Jeff von Rotz has been terminated after he wrote an email to Canmore Pride insulting the LGBT community. .“The owners and leadership of Valbella Gourmet Foods expresses its deepest apologies to the Canmore LBGTQ+ community for an intolerant email that was sent earlier today by one of our former team members,” said Valbella Gourmet Foods co-owner Chantal von Rotz in a Tuesday Facebook post. .“The individual responsible has been removed from the company and its operations.”.Jeff von Rotz told Canmore Pride in an email where the organization asked for a donation for a Pride event he would not “sponsor anything to do with child grooming tranny’s.” .“Please keep these sick people away from the children of this community, you should be disgusted with yourselves,” he said. .“I’m sure there’s some woke organization mentally ill enough to help with your event, but it isn’t Valbella’s.”.Chantal von Rotz said Valbella apologizes for what happened, and the words of this former employee do not reflect the company’s opinions. .“We are deeply sorry for the hurt this has caused to the LGBTQ+ community and will be working to ensure our company advances the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our business and the community,” she said. .Canmore Pride said it was grateful for the support it received after this response. .“The transphobic reply we received from a local business today further reinforces the importance of education in our community to keep members of our community safe,” said Canmore Pride. .“We encourage members of our community to take care of themselves in this time and know they are loved and supported by many.” .Jeff von Rotz could not be reached for comment in time for publication.
