Shopping locally provides more than a boost to businesses in the area; it allows them to give back to the community.
That’s the message the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce is spreading as the holiday season approaches.
Dean Beers has lived in Orillia his entire life and runs a business here, but it wasn’t until he became chamber president that the big picture came into focus.
“It’s amazed me how many small, and even some bigger, businesses step up and give to the community,” he said, noting the hospital as well as local sports teams are just a couple of causes that benefit. “It crosses so many different sectors.”
Home Hardware is one of the businesses that prides itself on its commitment to community, having made substantial contributions to Building Hope, the recreation centre and St. Paul’s Centre, among others.
It recently hosted a ladies night, which resulted in thousands of pounds of food being donated to The Sharing Place Food Centre. That was followed by a $5,000 donation from Home Hardware.
“Our staff is all local, and these are organizations that some of our staff have had dealings with,” said manager Bill Ecklund.
Home Hardware is busy, especially around the holidays, and Ecklund sees the robust business as an opportunity to give back. He hopes shoppers see it that way, too.
“Our customers range from high-end contractors to local DIYers, and every little bit helps,” he said.
Online shopping continues to pose a challenge for local businesses, and while Beers understands why people shop around for good deals, he wants them to browse around to see what’s available in their community.
“We’re in a time when it’s so easy to shop online and not local, but I hope people do whatever they can,” he said. “If all we’re focusing on is the best price, you miss that service part of it. We want them to grow and prosper in Orillia, and this is one way of doing that.”
“Amazon’s not writing a cheque to any of these local organizations,” added Allan Lafontaine, the chamber’s managing director. “‘Amazon’ is not printed on the back of local sports teams’ jerseys.”
It’s important for businesses like Home Hardware to support the community because “it’s a cycle,” Ecklund said, noting people want to shop at a place that gives back.
“It comes back to you as well, and then we can continue (giving back).”
The “Shop Locally” campaign has been going on for years in Orillia, but the chamber plans to put a stronger focus on it in the years to come. For now, “Shop Locally” signs, like the ones that can be seen at multiple businesses in town, get the message across.
The chamber encourages businesses that aren’t displaying the signs to start doing so. To inquire about receiving a sign, visit the chamber offices at 575 West St. S., Unit 6, call 705-326-4424 or email [email protected].
