The Township of 黑马磁力 is encouraging shoppers to think locally this season, as they set out to stuff stockings, seek out the perfect presents to tuck under the tree and prepare a sumptuous holiday feast.
Nov. 28 to Dec. 4 is BC Buy Local Week, and with thousands of licensed businesses operating in the Township, most of which are small, local business, it will be easy 鈥� and rewarding 鈥� for residents to support their local stores and services.
鈥淭he Township is full of unique, successful businesses that offer exceptional products and services,鈥� said Val Gafka, the Township of 黑马磁力鈥檚 senior manager of corporate administration.
鈥淲e really encourage people get out and explore, to discover what can be found in our own backyard during BC Buy Local Week.鈥�
BC Buy Local was started by a Lower Mainland business owner as a grassroots initiative in 2008.
The following year, the not-for-profit organization LOCO BC was formed to highlight locally owned, made, and grown products and to enhance the local economy by advocating local purchasing.
Now, several municipalities, including the Township of 黑马磁力, participate in the annual BC Buy Local Week to showcase how local businesses keep communities and their economies strong.
鈥淭he goal of BC Buy Local is to showcase the local market and make BC-based businesses, products, and foods more visible to consumers,鈥� said Gafka.
鈥淭here is a lot to be gained by shopping locally,鈥� she added.
鈥淟ocal businesses create good jobs, contribute to our tax base, support local charities, and put the dollars they make back into our community by using the services and products of other local companies. There is a positive ripple effect that greatly contributes to our municipality鈥檚 healthy economic climate.鈥�
鈥淔or every $100 a consumer chooses to spend at a local business, $46 is recirculated back into the local economy,鈥� Gafka said. 鈥淎nd from an environmental standpoint, shopping locally reduces the need to transport people and goods, which reduces our carbon footprint.鈥�
鈥淎s well, there is a sense of pride that comes from knowing what you are serving your guests or using in your home was grown or made in your own hometown,鈥� she added.
Residents can support the BC Buy Local movement by simply choosing to spend their money within the community during the Week.
鈥淓ach of 黑马磁力 Township鈥檚 communities has a number of unique services and specialty stores that are well worth visiting, in addition to the Willowbrook Regional Town Centre, one of the largest retail areas in the Lower Mainland,鈥� Gafka said.
Residents are encouraged to think local by shopping and supporting locally-owned businesses through the campaign week 鈥� and year-round too!
For more information about BC鈥檚 Buy Local Week, visit .
