7.png

This holiday season is a great time to show support for your loved ones, your community, and your favourite local businesses.

Here’s five ways you can spread some much-needed cheer this winter:

2.png

From Christmas gifts to everyday treats – and everything in between – our area is home to so many great locally-run businesses and makers! Doing some or all of your holiday shopping close to home is a great way to support your community and find thoughtful and unique gifts for your loved ones. Plus, many businesses are offering contactless pick up & delivery, so you can skip the long lines and shipping delays.

HOW TO SUPPORT

GIFT IDEAS THAT SUPPORT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

  • The Seed’s Souper Heroes – easy & delicious soup starter kits, with proceeds supporting community food programs

  • Lost Aviator Coffee Fundraiser – caffeine-packed gift sets, with proceeds supporting Michael House and vulnerable women & children in our community

  • The Wooly Pub ARCH Promotional Certificates – donate $10 to ARCH (HIV/AIDS Resources and Community Health) and receive a $10 promo card for your favourite neighbourhood pub (these make great stocking stuffers!)

  • Queen of Craft Holiday Gift Boxes – packed with one-of-a-kind products from local makers (chocolate chili hot sauce! custom-designed face mask! crocheted beer koozie!) plus local beer, including our favourite, the Chocolate Milk Stout. These curated gift boxes generously support Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis.

 
3.png

According to Mayor Guthrie in a recent council meeting, it is expected that 20% of Ontario non-profit organizations will be forced to close in 2021. For those who can, giving to our local organizations can help keep their doors open for our community. Consider giving locally in lieu of buying gifts – a great Secret Santa option for your virtual holiday parties!

HOW TO SUPPORT

  • PIN (The People and Information Network) has compiled their 2020 Holiday Giving Guide, highlighting crucial services and organizations in our community, and the ways that you can support them

  • CanadaHelps.org has also released a Charitable Gift Guide, with tangible gift options for every budget (plus, you can send charity gift cards, and let the recipients choose where their support goes!)

HGR SUPPORTS

 
4.png

You might have some newfound spare time on your hands this year – if so, there are plenty of virtual and socially-distanced volunteer opportunities available in our community!

HOW TO SUPPORT

  • Visit the PIN Network to browse a complete list of volunteer opportunities in our area, for all experience levels and time commitments, including pandemic-specific positions

  • The Snow Angels program is a great way to support seniors and folks with disabilities in our community by helping with snow removal – learn more about the program on the PIN Network website.

 
5.png

Thanks to our infinite ability to communicate (even through a lockdown!), there are so many ways to support local businesses that cost $0 to do!

HOW TO SUPPORT

  • SUPPORT ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow on social media platforms; like & share their posts; subscribe to newsletters; leave comments; enter contests… Engaging with your favourite businesses on social media is easy, and it is the best way to help them reach new customers!

  • RATE & REVIEW: Give 5 star ratings & write positive testimonials for businesses you love!

  • WORD OF MOUTH: Shout it from the rooftops! Let your friends and family know about your favourite businesses. Do they love the thoughtful & unique gift you got them? Let them know you got it at <insert awesome local shop!>

 

During a stressful and isolating time, small gestures go a long way. Take the opportunity to reach out to your neighbour, and spread kindness in your community.

HOW TO SUPPORT

  • Do porch drop-offs for neighbours and loved ones! Cards, small gifts, and homemade meals are easy and heartwarming ways to let people know you’re thinking about them.

  • Send holiday cards, letters, photos, and even e-cards – who doesn’t love receiving mail?

  • Drop off a holiday card or a coffee to a small business owner – a nice way of letting your go-to dry cleaner, dog walker, drive-through staff, etc. know they’re appreciated!

  • Random Acts of Kindness! Shovel your neighbour’s driveway, pay for the someone’s coffee, offer to get groceries for elderly neighbours, write letters and send kids’ art to retirement residences… so many ways to brighten someone else’s day!

 
8.png
 
 

Staying up to date with our local real estate market is easier than you think.

Subscribe to our weekly real estate blog and get insight into new topics every week, including interest rates, competing offers, and more. Plus, you’ll receive exclusive access to local sales reports, so you can find out what homes in Guelph are really selling for.

Sign up below, and we’ll send you our most recent blog & sales reports.