Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce
Pandemic fatigue. There’s a lot of it about at the moment. We see it in the choices people make and the fact that tempers overheat very quickly in a climate of uncertainty. Keeping our economy healthy is inextricably linked with keeping our population healthy. To ensure both, we all must continue to “bend the curve, not the rules” to quote Health Minister Adrian Dix.
While the feeling of fatigue can be overwhelming, there are actions we can take to make a positive impact. When you support your local businesses – in person or by shopping at their online stores – you are making a difference. Businesses provide cash and in-kind donations to charities and non-profits, are employers, and pay the taxes that directly contribute to our quality of life. And if you are one of many Canadians for whom money is tight right now, you can meaningfully support small business by taking part in the Canada United campaign.
RBC in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, regional chambers including the BC Chamber, and associations and businesses from across the country have joined together to support small business through the Canada United campaign. Canada United “gives every Canadian the chance to show their support through actions big and small. Canadians are invited to join the Canada United movement by buying and dining local, including celebrating and supporting local businesses during the Canada United Weekend from August 28 to 30, 2020.”
For every small action you take to support local business until August 31st, such as watching Canada United videos online or using #CanadaUnited on Twitter, RBC will contribute 5 cents (up to a maximum of $2 million) to a Canada United Small Business Relief Fund. “The Fund will provide small Canadian businesses with grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE), renovations to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or improving e-commerce capabilities.”
Small actions can make a big difference. To find out more, please go to GoCanadaUnited.ca
Julie Lawlor is the Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce
