SmartCanucks has a national audience. As such, we normally try to avoid topics that are specific to local small businesses not because we don’t love them, but because it’s just the nature of the beast. But sometimes a story just needs to be shared.
About 5 weeks ago, a new comic book store opened it’s doors on Queen St. in Niagara Falls. Pulp Comics is a cool little shop that offers everything you’d expect in a comic book shop, but that’s not the story here. The story is in how the shop came to be, and what they’d like to see from all of us.
Garry Tappay, 71, needed part of a liver. Cirrhosis had wreaked havoc on poor Garry’s system, and things were looking grim. If he had to wait on the donors list for his name to be called there was little chance he would survive. That’s where Paul came in. Paul Tappay was Garry’s 34 year old son. More important than that, Paul was a match. This past spring Paul gave up part of his liver, saving his father’s life in the process.
During his lengthy recovery period, Paul had time to think about where he was in life and the things that mattered most to him. Rather than going back to the life he’s known before his noble deed, Paul decided he’d take the risk and spend his life involved with something he’d been passionate about since he was 10 years old; comic books. It took a life-changing experience, but Paul was set on a new path in life.
Garry was set on a new path as well. Rather than passing away without a transplant, Garry was given a new lease on life. His son Paul was a superhero, and he’d like you to be a superhero too.
This Saturday is Pulp Comics grand opening celebration. And while all of the bells and whistles of a great grand opening will be there — a ribbon cutting ceremony, costumed characters to meet and greet, and 10% savings on everything in the store (as well as buy one get one free back issues) — the truly important part of the day will be the information on hand regarding becoming a living donor.
If you’d like more information on becoming a living donor, visit giftoflife.on.ca. And if you’d like some great savings on comic books and related paraphernalia, Pulp Comics grand opening celebration will be taking place this Saturday, July 4th, from 11am-7pm. Pulp Comics is located at 4413 Queen Street in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Is this fathers name George or Garry?
It’s Garry — thanks for calling that to my attention Matt! Had a conversation with a George earlier in the day and had the name stuck in my head. Didn’t realize it made it’s way into an error in this article. All fixed now.
I’m glad to hear Garry has a new lease on life. Not many people do those kinds of things nowadays. Unfortunately I am very loyal to my comic book store which gives me away too many discounts on a regular basis, so I won’t be checking this place out. Sorry, Jimmy. You can scold me later.
Wow, great story! Just happened to watch SICKO last night as weather was rainy…so glad we have our health care & not like USA! A must see!
Stopped by today after seeing this post. Seems like a really cool place. Small but a decent selection, and i’m certain it will grow fast. And the grand opening sounds like fun. Check it out!
Living in the area I feel it is also worth a mention that this store will be doing it’s part in brightening and bringing business back to a downtown that has been suffering for a loooonnnnggg time. Fabulous to see new business on Queen Street! I plan to pop by
Reading is good for the Brain, it makes you smarter, please buy a comic book for someone you Love, even if the one you Love is you!
Being a living donor is quite complicated. I applied and was turned down because I wasn’t related to the woman for whom I wanted to make the donation. (She had no living relatives that were a match. It was very disheartening for both of us.) I hope they’ve changed the policies now. Unfortunately. too late for my student’s mother.
“The girls made comic books, ““funnys for kids,”” which are drawings of cute animals with impolite bodily functions. Who wants to see scans?”