Local Supports Local
Did you know that 97% of local, independent retailers give back to their communities? Many in more than one way. I reached out to our membership base to see how they give back to their communities. Here are some of the responses I got.
They have a great relationship with Seeds of Hope in Toronto. They bring them their extra vegetables and fruit and AE Natural Meats send them extra Turkeys as well as other meat cuts. What a great way to support a local place
They donate food to their local food banks, and to the local animal services (lettuce for small animals). They sponsored a car at the derby race at the Markham Fair this year, and provide flexible volunteer opportunities for retirees/seniors. They also support other local small biz and local artists by carrying their products/promoting their brick and mortar or socials.
Homestead Orchards contributes to the local community by donating fresh goods to the Georgina Food Bank, the Keswick Community Fridge, Scouts Canada for their apple sale day, the Terry Fox Run and many local schools for their breakfast program. They also make a diligent effort to hire local students to support in-season operations like apple picking, working in the scratch bakery or offering customer service in our farm shop. With many local businesses moving away from hiring students (because there are lots of adults looking for work but also because students struggle to work between extracurricular activities while maintaining a job) they have figured out a way to be flexible with their schedule and keep them returning year after year. They also offer them amazing coaching with the hope that in the years to come they can apply some of the skills learned to another opportunity.
If you want to know more about how small, local & independent businesses contribute back to our communities, you can check out #SmallBusinessEveryDay, and there's a very interesting report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses.
Are there businesses in your community that you know give back? Let us know in the comments!
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