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Volume 16, Issue 12, Week of March 27, 2017
“When someone in your family dies, you go to the funeral, you go through all the pain,” said Barreras. “But when that happens and they are chasing you, it’s about survival.” Barreras and Hiscay packed up and went to the Canadian embassy, which accepted their request for refugee status, along with their two children, then aged seven and two — Sara and Juan. The embassy officials asked him where he would like to go, but Barreras was unsure. The consul, however, weighed in on his decision. “I’m going to send you to a city that will be booming soon,” the consul told Barreras. And they were on their way to Saskatoon. Barreras could already speak excellent English, and had training in water works; within eight months he was employed in operations at Saskatoon’s water treatment plant. He works 12-hour shifts, usually four days a week. Things were pretty good in Saskatoon. The kids grew, the job was good. Then Barreras came up with the idea for OatDeal. Fixing oat drinks for friends In countries with significant Hispanic populations, consuming warm oatmeal drinks is common. From Mexico to Argentina, people drink what Canadians would consider hot smoothies, made from oats. “We came here, the largest producer of oats, and thought, there must be lots of oat drinks here,” said Barreras. “No.” So they made their own, and also offered the protein-packed drinks to their friends. One day, Barreras decided to try it out on his co-workers, and got back comments including “interesting” and “I like it.” A lightbulb went on. He could create this product, start his own business, and he could make it work because of his job schedule. But where to begin? He started by approaching the Food Centre (long form, Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc.) with some samples of ground oats. They thought it was interesting, too, and helped him apply for — and get — provincial George Barreras has taken his hot smoothie mix OatDeal to market. (Photo by Ryan Grainger) government funding. “Food product development, lab work, Joanne Paulson kids.” murdered by rebels who wanted their land. is not cheap,” said Barreras. “It helped Saskatoon Express Known for its drug lords, and the blood“We were next,” said Barreras, simply, with 50 per cent of the cost. They (the Thirteen years ago, George Barreras and shed associated with the cocaine, heroin and in an interview. province) have great programs, especially his wife HiscayJames escaped their homeland marijuana trade, Columbia was a particuUnable to properly grieve their loss, they for agri-value.” JW032703 of Colombia with “two suitcases and two larly violent place. Hiscay’s family was had to focus on getting out of the country. (Continued on page 10)
From Colombia to Dragons’ Den Saskatoon man has an oatdeal for you
cider day saturday Saturday, April 1 11am - 4pm free admission 5 Km soUTH of sasKaToon on HiGHWaY 219