MARY RUTH SNYDER
The last 11 months have been horrific. Full stop. The global pandemic rages on undeterred and now there will be delivery issues to Canada of the vaccine for a myriad of reasons. Which means we are looking at another very long 11 months.
Have there been any successes?
Well, yes, golf courses across Canada are experiencing an unexpected business boom as they naturally lend themselves to social distancing. And here on the island we have some of the very best courses in the country, not to mention the views. Our two local courses the Campbell River & Golf Country Club and the Storey Creek Golf Club are as majestic and beautiful as they come, not to mention challenging for every skill level!
The other success which will only continue if we each do our part is ‘Shop Local’. Many of our restaurants, café’s and retail stores were early adapters to the online world, curb side pick-up and strict adherence to Dr. Bonnie Henry’s health procedures.
Let’s talk about your neighbour. It is your neighbour’s local stores and shops that support your children’s sports teams. It is your neighbour’s local cafés and restaurants that support your gatherings before the pandemic and as long as we support them now, they will be there to continue their support after the pandemic. Need a book? Go to your local store, and if they don’t have it, I’m sure they would be happy to order it in for you. If we are going to come out of this in one piece we not only have to support each other by checking in with neighbours, friends and family, we need to spend our dollars locally. Full stop.
Let’s not … talk about Amazon whose policies for people selling on Amazon are soul destroying. If, however, you do find a unique item on their platform, research the creator and go to the source — nearly everyone has their own site, and buy direct.
And, in the theme of supporting local — support your local chamber of commerce. They work on behalf of businesses and organizations yes, at the local level, but also at the provincial level right into the premier’s office and federally right into the PM’s office. The provincial and national networks are the most dynamic and responsive in the country from coast to coast to coast representing over 220,000 businesses and organizations.
And, when you are finished playing your round of golf, grab some take out and a bevy or two from your favourite local restaurant and support your neighbour.
Mary Ruth Snyder is Executive Director of the Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce.
