We are down to 15 days before Christmas morning; a little more than two weeks to find the perfect gift for loved ones on the holiday gift list; 15 days left to support local businesses during one of the most important times of the year.
This Christmas, we urge our readers to remember local merchants and home-based businesses when searching for holiday gifts. There are lots in the area, from Saltery Bay to Lund and on Texada Island. Many are involved with Powell River Chamber of Commerce.
It takes much courage and determination to hang an open sign in a storefront or advertise hair services, kayak rentals or computer repair. It takes trust in the community to borrow money to renovate retail space in our downtown. These businesses are operated by people who have made an investment to live, work and support Powell River.
Each business hopes to make ends meet, while providing employment for others. Many of these small companies rely on Christmas for a large part of their annual revenue. And many people in Powell River work for these companies that employ fewer than 20 people. The draw to the malls and big box stores on Vancouver Island or the Lower Mainland can be tempting, but ask yourself if you can’t find something better closer to home.
If you have not taken a stroll along Marine or Joyce avenues or taken a peek inside some of Townsite and Lund’s most interesting shops, this is the time to do so. You may be surprised what you will find there.
Powell River also boasts some of BC’s best produce as well, including locally-raised beef, pork, poultry, oysters and salmon as well as chanterelle and pine mushrooms. That’s not to mention locally-roasted coffee, fresh-brewed beer and kombucha.
Many of these shops are overflowing with Christmas cheer, great gift ideas and what you need to entertain this season.
They are also filled with friends and neighbours who are all working to make Powell River a better place to live, and do business.
We all have a stake in the sustainability of our community. A strong local economy provides us with a safe place to raise and grow our families and a vibrant place to live.
Put on your coat and shoes and head out with your Christmas list and a pen to tick off each present picked up at a local store. Make this an Upper Sunshine Coast celebration and leave a warm smile lingering over your town.
