Gift card campaign gives prizes to support businesses
Edmonton's Paul Foster is spreading holiday cheer to more than 40 small businesses that had to shut down following the start of Alberta's new COVID-19 restrictions.
Foster, the president of Contact Renovations and Custom Homes, wanted to find a way to support businesses after the province announced the new measures to curb the spread of the virus on Dec. 8. Along with other businesses that weren't affected by the new rules, he was able to purchase 103 gift cards from 43 small businesses, worth about $6,300.
The gift cards were given out in a draw to people who tagged and posted a story about their favourite business on social media.
“I wish I could give more,” he said. Small business owners “are the people who are really chasing their dreams and everything's in it. Their hearts, sometimes their life savings. It's not fair that COVID happened to anyone, but it's particularly hard on small businesses.”
Fuss Art of Hair was one of the thousands of businesses that had to close on Dec. 13. Owner Andor Bubelenyi said he was surprised barbershops and salons were part of the lockdown given the praise the industry received from the government for how closely it followed public health measures.
With the new restrictions expected to continue until Jan. 12, Bubelenyi said he's doing his best to keep his business going and welcomed the support from Foster.
“Every dollar counts,” he said. “It was actually a breath of fresh air. When (Foster) called me, I was just really busy working … (during) my last four days before we shut down. When I get these calls … there's some kind of promotion and, usually, there's something that I need to pay for to be a part of. He actually was calling to spend money at my business. It's a brilliant idea.”
In a November report, Statistics Canada said small businesses have been affected the most by the pan
There are times when things get tough for me and every client counts. Nine months ago, I was worried ... I might lose it all.
demic because many are unable to take on more debt and are more likely to lose revenue. Small businesses make up 95 per cent of all businesses in Alberta and employ nearly half a million people, according to the province.
Foster said small businesses are the lifeblood of communities.
“It's those little stores that give character,” he said. “I'm a small-business owner and I know there are times when things get tough for me and every client counts. Nine months ago, I was worried that I might lose it all. Nine months later, I'm grateful that my industry … hasn't been compromised. I'm in a position where I can be generous.”
Foster said he would be willing to run another gift card campaign if he can find others to help finance it.