PRINCE GEORGE, BC: April 28th marks the one year anniversary of the launch of the Support PG campaign! To celebrate, a new contest called the “Support PG Passport for your Summer Vacation” begins today. 

Residents are encouraged to shop locally from April 28th until September 28th while collecting stickers on printable passports they download from the Support PG website for a chance to win one of three staycation packages from Tourism Prince George.

For extra entries, people are encouraged to share one or more positive stories about participating businesses to their personal Facebook or Instagram feeds, making sure to tag Support PG so their entries can be tracked. The more stamps shoppers collect from local businesses, the better their chances of winning. More than 50 local businesses and organizations have partnered on this initiative including: Bon Voyage Restaurant, Northern Lights Estate Winery, Homescope Décor, and the Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum. Staycation package draw dates will take place three times throughout the summer. Follow Support PG on Facebook and Instagram and visit www.supportpg.ca to stay up to date.

The Support PG website offers businesses central access to COVID-19 related resources, an “Open Now” directory where businesses can list their available services and changing hours of operations, Featured Business stories, a weekly blog to provide information to businesses and residents, and good news stories about individuals and organizations that are going above and beyond for the community. The Support PG website and marketing campaign were launched by 11 local organizations in April 2020 to provide support to local businesses navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and to encourage residents to continue supporting local. To date, more than 400 businesses have been added to the “Open Now” directory and with the help of community partners, more than $6000 worth of gift cards have been purchased from local businesses for social media contests and giveaways. 

“Last year, when the Chamber team envisioned the #SupportPG initiative, we did not foresee the community engagement, partnerships and assistance it could and would bring,” says Prince George Chamber of Commerce CEO, Todd Corrigall. “The businesses and our community have embraced the evolutions of this program, ensuring that supporting our local business community and their teams is at the core of all decision making – while we continue to battle for a vibrant business sector that remains with us far beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Our local businesses are an integral part of what makes Prince George such a great place to live as they create jobs and amenities for residents to enjoy. As a community, we need to rally behind these businesses who are facing challenges caused by COVID-19,” says City of Prince George Economic Development manager, Melissa Barcellos. “I encourage everyone to join me in the passport contest by supporting as many local businesses as possible. Let’s band together and demonstrate how much we appreciate them!” 

For more information on Support PG, visit www.supportpg.ca or follow its Facebook and Instagram. 

Written and released by Support Prince George.