The Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Quinte West and the Trenton Downtown BIA have expanded the Shop Local Program to include an online portal to purchase gift certificates. With local businesses forced to close or reduce their hours amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the newly launched FanSaves Helps Gift Certificate Program is helping give business owners a boost across the country and in the Quinte region.
The program is working with Quinte West Shop Local and features gift certificates from local stores which can be used once things get back to normal. A newly added feature also allows buyers to donate their gift certificates directly to front line hospital workers in their area, as well.
“We noticed some regions were starting their own gift certificate programs so we decided to create a one-stop-shop and a hub for gift certificates from local businesses in partnership with Chambers, BIAs and organizations in regions across Canada. This is our way of giving back during this time” explained FanSaves Co-Founder & CEO, Shannon Ferguson.
To take it one step further and help even more people, FanSaves teamed up with HourThanks to give people the option to donate their gift certificates to frontline workers at local hospitals, if they’re in the giving spirit.
“Giving back to hospital workers is one of our main missions. We wanted to be sure they could be celebrated during this time and the gift certificate program allows people to say thanks in a cool way” said Blake Daly, founder of HourThanks.
The program is completely free for businesses to take part in and is already helping over 250 businesses in 30 communities. The Shopify site encourages social distancing and allows businesses to stay afloat and generate revenue while the world tackles the current crisis.
The buying process is simple as visitors to the website are able to select the community they want and then choose the business they want to support in their region (or the region of a friend or family member), click on the preferred denomination and checkout (or donate). They will then receive a digital gift certificate which they can print out and use once things get back to normal.
“Many of our small retailers and service based businesses such as restaurants, day spas, health services & hair dressers have been the hardest hit and this is a great way to show your support and help them through this difficult time,” said Suzanne Andrews, CEO at the Quinte West Chamber. “With the built in option to also donate gift certificates or make monetary donations to front line workers at Trenton Memorial Hospital it is a very convenient way for everyone to make a difference.”
For more information and to buy a gift certificate you can visit: https://www.fansaveshelps.ca/