Community leaders are urging residents to keep it local when shopping for gifts this holiday season.
Locally owned businesses in the Comox Valley have been hit hard with the effects of COVID-19 restrictions, and one great way to show support this holiday season is to make your purchases with them in mind.
Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells, Comox Mayor Russ Arnott, and Cumberland Mayor Leslie Baird, as well as Comox Valley Regional District chair Jessie Ketler, all recognize the importance of supporting local businesses at all times. With the sacrifices endured by business owners throughout the pandemic, this message becomes all that much more vital.
“We can support our community not only by following the public health orders in place, but by buying and shopping local for gifts for the holidays, either in person or by purchasing gift cards to local retailers,” said Wells.
Most local businesses will provide shoppers with gift cards or certificates to be used as gifts.
If you prefer to do your shopping online, check for your favourite local business, to see if they have a website.
Another avenue for purchasing such gift cards from Courtenay and Comox retailers is through https://supportlocalbc.com/
Consumers can purchase gift certificates by visiting supportlocalbc.com, choosing the community and business(es) they wish to purchase from, and the gift certificate(s) will be emailed to the buyer directly.
Not sure what to buy?
There’s also an option to buy a generic supportlocalbc.com gift card, which allows the cardholder to support any of the participating retailers involved with the program.
There are more than 50 Comox Valley businesses already involved.
Any local, independently-owned Courtenay or Comox businesses looking to get involved with the program can register at https://supportlocalbc.com/pages/submit-your-business
For Cumberland businesses, visit www.lovecumberland.com
Wells reminds residents to please abide by the Public Health Order set out to help combat and prevent the spread of COVID-19 this Christmas season. This means following the social distancing guidelines, wearing a mask, and limiting gatherings to members of your household only.
“Our community is in this together – following these orders make sure that we get through this together as well,” he said.
–With files from Comox Valley Economic Development Society
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terry.farrell@blackpress.ca Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
