How to Support Sunshine Coast Businesses During Covid 19
I love seeing how the Sunshine Coast community is rallying together as we all adjust to the new realities of life during Covid 19.
Many small businesses here (and across the nation) are facing unprecedented challenges as they have had to close down or drastically shift operations. Depending on the sector, some businesses are able to adapt by operating online, doing deliveries or take-out, or completely shifting to making and selling new products and services to meet growing needs in other areas.
The Sunshine Coast has always been a collaborative, supportive community and during these tough times we need one another now, more than ever. I’ve compiled a list of ways you can support our local economy.
#Prebuylocal
If your finances allow, I encourage you to support local in a new and creative way by “pre-buying” services. You could purchase gift certificates from your hair stylist, continue paying a membership fee to your favourite gym, or pre-purchase an art piece from a local artist. Every little bit helps entrepreneurs and businesses keep going during these uncertain times. You can also learn more about local businesses by visiting supportcoastal.com, which also links to a GoFundMe campaign designed to raise funds for local businesses.
Purchase local products at the grocery store
There are many amazing items created here on The Coast, available in your local grocery store. Next time you’re doing your essentials shopping, pick up a product made or grown here in our community. Here are some great examples:
- Ginger Jars uses grocery store food waste to make soups and sauces. They are still operating and are also offering support to anyone facing food insecurity. If you are in need of food, email them at change@gingerjars.ca
- Holy Crap cereal is made lovingly here on the Sunshine Coast.
Ginger Jars
Tim and Stephanie and family of Drift Restaurant and Ginger Jars
Share on social media
If you hear about a local business that is getting creative right now, share their story on social media. The more people who become aware of how Sunshine Coast businesses are adapting, the more we can all come together to support.
Buy from a local restaurant or producer
While all restaurants and bars have been asked to shutter their doors, many are getting creative, offering meal specials for take out and delivery. Here is a running list of eateries and craft beverage makers. These are just a few and the list is always growing. Please visit the Coast Culinary Collective website for up-to-date information.
CRAFT BEVERAGE PROVIDERS
- Tapworks Brewing Company is doing a drive-through beer pick-up as well as online ordering and delivery.
- Persephone Brewing Company is doing beer deliveries, as well as grocery pick-up in Gibsons
- One Foot Crow and Bruinwood Estate Distillery have started producing hand sanitizer
Jeff Baringer and Danice Lofstrum of Bruinwood Distillery
FOOD PRODUCERS AND PROVISIONS
- The Gibsons Butcher is doing online and phone orders with no minimum or delivery fee
- Mama Musey’s Pierogi is offering free delivery for orders over $20
- Bricker Cider Company, Lone Wolf Provisions and Good Acre Market are teaming up for deliveries of bread, pastries, coffee, produce, and cider
Owners Adam and Shannon Vanderwood and Staff of The Gibsons Butcher
RESTAURANTS
- Lunitas Mexican Eatery is doing take-out, as well as home delivery of large orders for people who want to bulk order and heat up themselves
- Smitty’s Oyster House is open for takeout Thursday to Sunday
- Gourmet Girl Cafe and Catering is doing delivery for orders $40 and above
- The Gumboot Restaurant is offering take-out
- Buono Osteria is offering a ready-to-cook dinner for two and a bottle of Italian wine for $75+tax
Co-owner of Buono Osteria – Ryan Kingsberry
Life is certainly unpredictable at the moment, but together we can get through this. Hang in there Sunshine Coasters. We’ve got this!