Northern Development announced today (Monday) that it has partnered with Support Local BC to promote the purchase of gift cards from Love Northern BC (LNBC) businesses.
Support Local BC provides a place for communities and businesses throughout the province to support each other.
You can choose businesses in your own community or you can purchase gift cards from other communities to give to family, friends or colleagues.
“Northern Development is pleased to be able to partner with Support Local BC on this innovative project that will see money going directly to businesses at a time they need it most. We encourage those who are able to purchase gift cards and help to support our local shops and services,” said Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust.
Support Local BC was launched earlier in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on businesses that have had to adjust their operations or close their doors.
“We’re happy to provide this platform to support the amazing, local businesses in Northern BC. Businesses need a cash flow injection now and the fact that our partnership with Northern Development allows us to absorb the payment processing fees, means that businesses will receive the full amount of the gift card purchased. Since this program started in Greater Victoria on 25 March, the response has been very positive, and we have sold over $15,000 in gift cards on behalf of our local businesses,” added Michèle Hamilton, Managing Director, Think Local First Victoria and Support Local BC.
The site launched initially with businesses from the Greater Victoria region.
To date, over 20 LNBC communities, and 150-plus businesses have signed on.