Shop, eat, play, relax, love. Do you love where you live? We know you do! The Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce, City of Castlegar, RDCK Areas I & J and Destination Castlegar have united together to launch a Love Where You Live Campaign. As part of the business recovery program, it will certainly touch the heart  of each and every local.
This campaign will be rolled out for months to come and will include initiatives based on information that was collected from local businesses within the community. A prioritized need was identified as a “robust shop local campaign” and a “shop local contest”.
“When you buy locally a large percentage of your dollars stay in the community, this in turn creates growth in the number of local businesses’ and jobs. The best way to build a resilient local business community that grows and improves the economy is by shopping at locally owned businesses. By shopping locally you are supporting an economy of friends and neighbours,” says RDCK Area J Director Rick Smith.
“We know that local businesses shape our community and support our neighbors, so we are asking that locals show their love for their community while you shop for your loved ones this holiday,” says the campaign’s organizers.
“Ensuring our local businesses continue to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic is extremely important to council,” says Castlegar Mayor Bruno Tassone.
“We ask everyone to shop safely and continue following the guidance and orders from the provincial health officials.”
For the month of December the Chamber of Commerce is launching a Holiday Shopping Campaign with support from Columbia Basin Trust. The campaign will include a Shop, Eat, Relax Guide that will be delivered to local mailboxes. There will also be 500 reusable bags given away with purchases and a Holiday Shopping Contest. Enter by simply sharing a picture of your local purchases on Instagram or Facebook and tag us #LoveCastlegar#LoveWhereYouLiveCastlegar to be entered into a chance to win prizes. Enter as many times as you want. Contest runs through Dec. 31, 2020. There are three chances to win. First prize is $1000, second $500 and third $250 in your choice of retail gift cards. To find out more information on the contest please visit LoveCastlegar#LoveWhereYouLiveCastlegar.
“There are many ways to shop while supporting local, and don’t forget there are many local artisans and crafters that have an array of great gift ideas! You can shop in store (please follow BC Health & Safety COVID-19 regulations) or shop locally online and there is always curbside pick-up, so please check with local businesses and choose what is the best option for you,” said Tammy Verigin-Burk, executive director of the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce.
Here is what some of our local businesses have to say about the importance of shopping local:
“We all need to stick together and help each other through these tough times. Box stores will survive but small businesses need all the local help we can get. Shop local to keep our community thriving,” says Carol Hiebert from Undercover Secrets.
“Spending money locally keeps us all strong. According to a Civic Economics Indie survey, local businesses recirculate $63 from every $100 spent with us! The taxes we pay help to keep the city strong and able to offer great amenities. Keep the local stores busy so we can hire yourself, your friend or family member. Shopping local truly does create a satisfying full circle,” says Carol Pears from Mountain High Lighting.
“Shopping local is supporting your community, family, friends and neighbors. One important thing that stands out is customer service. At Fundamentals we treat our customers the way we would like to be treated. We like to help the community and meet new friends along the way,” says Geraldine Al Hanafy from Fundamentals.