The BC Lottery Corporation is betting that Tri-City residents want to support local businesses and community service agencies by bidding on some great items in an online fundraiser called Spread the Local Love.
A golf swing analysis, a floral arrangement, and pies are just some of the unique local items on offer in Spread the Local Love, benefiting Share Family and Community Service.
As well, bidders can bid on some sports swag — just in time for the Super Bowl — including a New England Patriots’ football signed by former quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
From Feb.1 to 15, B.C. residents can double their impact by shopping local though this unique effort to highlight local businesses and community services.
To kick start the campaign, BCLC sponsored a number of items and gift cards from Tri-City businesses and made them available on the Spread the Local Love fundraising page.
When an item from a business is purchased, or a silent-auction item is successfully bid on as part of the campaign, the contribution will go directly to one of the 10 participating non-profits across B.C., including Share.
Share CEO Claire MacLean welcomes the initiative to support both local businesses and charitable organizations during these challenging times.
“Since 1972, SHARE has helped individuals and families meet basic needs, build support relationships, deal effectively with challenges, develop their potential, and feel welcomed within their community,” said Claire MacLean, Share CEO.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges it has brought, support is needed now more than ever. Funds raised through Spread the Local Love will go to support programs and services that assist vulnerable individuals, children and families, and help to connect, engage and strengthen our community.”
Spread the Local Love is the second online fundraiser BCLC has hosted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know that the pandemic has created a variety of challenging impacts in B.C.,” said Peter ter Weeme, BCLC’s chief social purpose officer and vice-president of player experience.
“With the cancellation of many in-person events due to COVID-19, our team is consistently looking for new, creative ways to support communities. Our goal through the Spread the Local Love campaign is not only to raise funds that will help local charitable organizations continue to serve the communities where they operate but also to showcase local businesses hit hardest by the pandemic.”
In the Tri-Cities, participating businesses include: Cat & Fiddle, Matteo’s Gelato, Port Moody Flower and Rocky Point Ice Cream.
At the end of the campaign, those who purchased a gift card or successfully bid on a silent auction item will be able to choose which of the 10 participating charities they would like their contribution to go towards.
