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During this stressful time, I am sure there are times when we’ve all felt helpless and are thinking what we could do to assist our community.     

Something to consider: if you are thinking about a future purchase – perhaps for your home or cabin or car or whatever – and you were waiting until later in the year, why not buy it now, when our local businesses could really use your patronage? It may seem like a small thing in itself, but we chose to do this together, it could make all the difference in the world to help get our business community through this period. The last thing any of us want are business layoffs and closures. So, why not buy your spouse a dozen roses, just because, or buy your husband that tool he’s been talking about? Restaurants might be closed, but most of them will still be doing take-out orders. Together, if we order take-out more often, it could be the difference between layoffs or even survival.

Planning to purchase a summer outfit? Why not do it now? If they don’t have what you want in stock, purchase a gift certificate, which would mean a lot more to them now than later when this crisis is over. 

None of us know how long this pandemic will last. To put my money where my mouth is, my wife and I were planning on purchasing a new barbecue this summer. Well, we’ve decided to make this purchase now. I am sure there is always something you need, but never felt the urgency to purchase. This might seem like a bit of stretch, but my wife’s and son’s birthdays are in August. I think I’ll buy their birthday gifts now. When the time comes, I won’t have to stress about what to buy them. Why not buy gifts for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? The ideas are limitless. Buy those items now, since you were going to purchase them later anyhow. This would be no loss to you. Together, we could prevent layoffs or the loss of a local businesses. When this is all over and our business environment returns to normal, you will have a well-deserved feeling of satisfaction about knowing you’ve contributed in a positive way during this negative time.   

Glen Hall, Executive Director, Assiniboia and District Chamber of Commerce.