Not all Islanders that live in Greater Victoria can make it downtown to shop at businesses due to COVID-19 restrictions, but now, some residents can still get their favourite local products delivered at no extra cost, thanks to a new program.
A new program, called ‘Downtown Delivers,’ will allow customers that live in the Sooke to Sidney region to get products shipped to their homes for free.
Deliveries, instead, will be subsidized by the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) using three local delivery companies.
“Victoria’s small businesses have worked harder than ever to keep their doors open and their staff employed, and we have been thankful for the community support throughout the year,” said Jeff Bray, DVBA’s executive director.
“This program comes as we are being asked, again, to flatten the curve and keep close to home – and so it will be valuable to all downtown retailers. This is one more way we can safely satisfy our customers.”
The DVBA will partner with local delivery companies Maximum Express, NomadEx Bike Cargo and Geazone, providing another benefit to the local economy this holiday season, said Bray.
“A $30 purchase to Amazon has no impact in the local economy. That same purchase, when bought from a local retailer and delivered by a local courier service, stays in Victoria,” Bray explained. “It has a ripple effect through the region – paying retail staff, delivery drivers and suppliers, then spreading through the community to restaurants and cafes, butchers and bakers, and service providers.”
The program will begin on Dec. 7, 2020, and is expected to run until at least Jan. 15, 2021, as funding permits.
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Jasmine Bala
