Community response has been strong to the Altona and District Chamber of Commerce’s Great Chamber Gift Hunt as the shop-local campaign nears its final days.
Director Stephanie Peters said about one-third of the golden gift boxes hidden in participating businesses have already been returned to the chamber office.
“We’re really encouraged by the level of enthusiasm we’ve seen so far,” she said, noting residents have been actively visiting local businesses in search of the boxes since the campaign launched earlier this month.
The Great Chamber Gift Hunt invites shoppers to look for small golden boxes placed inside participating stores. Once found, the boxes can be brought to the chamber office and redeemed. It’s one gift box claim per household.
Each golden gift box contains a dollar amount in Chamber Bucks, which can be spent at local businesses. Participants are also entered for one of three chances to win $100 in Chamber Bucks.
A complete list of participating businesses is available online at altonachamber.com.
While the prizes add excitement, Peters said the campaign’s main goal is to encourage residents to support area businesses, particularly during the holiday season.
“Every purchase you make at a local store supports a neighbour, strengthens a family-run business, and helps keep our community vibrant and growing,” she said.
Peters noted that spending locally has ripple effects throughout the community.
“Those dollars stay right here,” she said. “They create jobs, support local events, and help build the place we’re proud to call home.”
There’s just a few more days to find a gift box if you haven’t already. The campaign wraps up on Monday, Dec. 15.
