Northern Development announced today 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. It connects all regions and is a platform where you can support your favourite local businesses by purchasing gift cards for future use. 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,” said Joel McKay, CEO of Northern Development Initiative Trust. “We encourage those who are able to purchase gift cards and help to support our local shops and services.”
Support Local BC was launched on March 25, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on businesses who have had to adjust their operations or close their doors. The site launched initially with businesses from the Greater Victoria region and has currently sold more than $15,000 in gift cards for 153 businesses.
All LNBC businesses are welcome to join at no cost. To date, over 20 LNBC communities and 150-plus businesses have signed on. Gift cards are available in $10, $25, $50 and $100 denominations.
“We’re happy to provide this platform to support the amazing, local businesses in northern B.C.,” said Michele Hamilton, managing director, Think Local First Victoria and Support Local 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.”
To purchase gift cards, simply click on supportlocalbc.com, choose the community and business(es) you wish to purchase from and the gift card(s) will be emailed to you. These gift cards do not expire, and they are non-refundable.