The Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce is rewarding people who shop and stay local.
Several gift cards have already been handed out to random shoppers caught spending money at Quesnel businesses.
The chamber will give out rewards until Feb. 15.
Shoppers are chosen from a hat of 40 different businesses.
“Every morning, I put my hand in and pick out a name of a business that I will go to and catch somebody, and then I go into another bag and pick a time that I will go in and catch somebody shopping,” said chamber manager Kathy Somerville.
Gift cards are not for the business the shopper was caught at.
“It’s kind of pay it forward from the chamber to go to another business,” Somerville added.
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Scoring the first gift card was Sandra Lewis, who was caught leaving Willis Harper at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15 by chamber director Matthew Maglio.
Lewis received a gift card to K-Max.
The second gift card went to a shopper caught at Attitude South by chamber vice president Greg Andrews, who awarded them with a card to JD Meats on Thursday, Dec. 16.
Customers will have the chance to enter at participating businesses for $1,000 in gift cards beginning Friday, Dec. 17. Draws will be made on Jan. 15. and Feb. 15.
“Our businesses matter,” Somerville said.
“They’re the heart and soul of our community and if we don’t support them they’re not going to be here for us. This has been a tough, tough year….and I just really want to see them shine and be recognized.”
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rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
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