Letter to the Editor: Locals left out

Editor: Re: Fashion Fighting Cancer

I was pleased to read that once again the yearly fashion show to raise money for cancer is being held on May 28, 2011. It is for such a great cause and the show is always a fun and entertaining event. The money raised will certainly benefit Ladysmith’s own ‘Relay for Life’ team.

The Chinese auction also sounds like a fun twist on the usual silent auction format. I am sure there will be many wonderful items to bid on – generously donated from merchants in Ladysmith and Nanaimo.

I was, however, quite surprised to read that both the stores taking part in the show were from Nanaimo. I had just finished reading an article in the Chronicle that reported how three of our city leaders were pledging to shift 10 percent of their spending to Ladysmith. The article encouraged residents to shop locally and to support your neighbours, who are also the small business owners.

This would have been a wonderful opportunity to showcase our own shops and allow the audience to experience firsthand some of the quality that Ladysmith has to offer – hopefully encouraging shoppers to see if they can find what they need in town first before taking the drive north to Nanaimo.

That being said, I hope the show is a wonderful success and that all goals are reached and surpassed. And, good luck to the Relay Team. What a worthy cause.

Cathy BarterLadysmith

Ladysmith Chronicle