We are excited to share with our members that our “Shop Local” program has reached a significant milestone of $30,000 in local vouchers! This achievement indicates that we are supporting our community businesses and keeping money within our town. Our program would not have been successful without the participation and support of our members, so we want to extend a big thank you to everyone who has contributed over the past 30 months.
The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses
Local businesses are the backbone of our community and are essential to our local economy. When we support local businesses, we keep money circulating within our community, which helps to create jobs, provide better public services, and support other local businesses. By shopping locally, we are also reducing our carbon footprint by decreasing the need for long-distance transportation of goods. Furthermore, local businesses often provide unique products and services that cannot be found in big-box stores, which adds character and charm to our community.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on local businesses. Many small businesses were forced to close their doors permanently, while others struggled to stay afloat. By supporting our local businesses through programs like “Shop Local,” we are helping to ensure that our community continues to thrive and grow.
The Impact of Our “Shop Local” Program
Our “Shop Local” program has been a tremendous success, thanks to the participation and support of our members. Over the past 30 months, we have distributed over $30,000 in local vouchers, which has helped to support our local businesses and keep money circulating within our community.
Our Shop Local vouchers have been purchased for awards, community group prizes, teacher and coach gifts as well as a simple thank you between neighbours. The biggest advantage is our members participating in the program are definitely going to have something for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
Our favourite Shop Local purchase was a community member who purchased some vouchers to pass on to those fighting and impacted by the fires in January 2023. They did not want to be named, just felt the need to help in some way and they were passed on for providing help with whatever the recipient needed most at that point in time.
Continuing to Support Our Local Businesses
While we are proud of what we have accomplished through our “Shop Local” program, there is still more work to be done. We must continue to support our local businesses and keep money circulating within our community and keeping the unique businesses of our area going. Here are some ways that we can continue to support our local businesses:
1. Shop at local businesses whenever possible.
When purchasing a product or service, consider shopping at a local business first. By doing so, you are helping to support our community and keep money circulating within it
.2. Spread the word about local businesses.
Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about the local businesses that you love. Share their social media posts, leave positive reviews, and encourage others to shop locally.
3. Participate in programs like “Shop Local.”
By participating in programs like this, you are helping to support our local businesses and keep our community thriving. Next time you are looking for a gift for someone, raffle prizes for an event or a thankyou to a friend, consider a Shop Local voucher and let them choose exactly what they want.
The vouchers are available at the Donnybrook Pharmacy or drop into the Chamber of Commerce office next to the Bendigo Bank or email us with what you need.
See our participating businesses here.
Contact Us if you are interested in joining the Chamber of Commerce or adding your business to the Shop Local Participants
