HALIFAX: Mayor Mike Savage today engaged local business districts in a friendly holiday shopping competition in aid of an important cause.
Each of the participating districts will fill a stocking with products from shops in their area. The stockings will then be auctioned off in support of Shelter Nova Scotia.
“The Local Stuff Challenge is an opportunity for all of us to think about our spending decisions this holiday season and throughout the year,” said Mayor Savage. “Local businesses put money back into our community, they provide employment and support neighbourhood causes and events. This year they need us more than ever.”
Once the stockings are filled, they will go up for live auction with all proceeds going to Shelter Nova Scotia’s efforts to help homeless and precariously housed people throughout HRM.
“The support of our community is critical in what we do at Shelter Nova Scotia. We provide support to over 1,300 people a year and operate six facilities 24/7. By supporting us, you are supporting the province’s most vulnerable populations,” said Jayme Lynn Butt, Public Relations and Fundraising Manager for Shelter Nova Scotia.
Tim Rissesco, Executive Director of the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission and chair of a coalition of Halifax area business districts, underscored the importance of supporting local business and local causes at this time of year.
“This has been a difficult year for a lot of people. Buying local this holiday will make a big difference to our small businesses who are the cornerstones of our downtowns and communities and supporting causes like Shelter Nova Scotia will help us all get through this pandemic together,” said Rissesco.
Follow along with #stuffit2020 on Twitter and Instagram as the BIDs shop, taking advantage of curbside pick-ups, delivery options and COVID-cautious in-person alternatives as we build to the stocking reveals and auction dates in the days ahead.