By Judy Goodman, Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce executive director
Why Shift?
Everyone gets that the more money we keep in our local economy the better off we all are. Ten per cent of your spending sounds simple, because it is. That is why the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce is embracing the concept.
The Shift doesn’t ask you to spend more – it just says if you change how you spend, you can make a real difference in your community. Spending within the community, buying locally-made products, and supporting local services all count towards the shift.
The product or service has to be of benefit to you and your family as well. If it works for you, it works for the community.
Here is an example of $100 in spending. Spent at a non-locally owned business, $57 goes to corporate head offices around the world. Spent locally, $68 stays in the community, a 25 per cent increase. If each person shifts $100 it starts to bounce around the community. That’s beyond recycle – it’s reuse!
The gift giving season has arrived, so now is a great time to explore our local shops for that special present. If you are looking to check off your ‘nice’ list, check out the No Host Bazaar on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the community centre.
The Revelstoke Museum and Archives is a great stop for historical photographs and B.C. products including Murchie’s Tea and Rogers Chocolate. Get your copy of First Tracks, the official Ski History of Revelstoke at a special price of $40 including tax until Dec. 1, or $45 afterwards.
Need something ‘naughty?’ Check out Spice ‘O’ Life Emporium, in business in Revelstoke for more than 18 years.
Grizzly Book & Serendipity Shop will help you select the perfect read for the bookworm on your list. If you are lucky you can say hello to Shakespeare, who is often seen lounging around the shop.
Looking for something unique for that special girl? Find jewellery to decorate, adorn and embellish at Garnish, a local jewellery boutique and working studio featuring Canadian emerging artists, quality repairs and unique custom works, at Mackenzie and First Street.
Kitty corner on Mackenzie at Evolve Living and Giving home and holiday décor is abundant. Themed Christmas ornaments and personally re-crafted Shabby Chic furniture are Leanne’s specialty.
Beyond Gifts is open at its new home on First Street and has a new line of ladies handbags, unique silk lamps, Canadian designed clothing and local photography prints.
Don’t forget the outdoor adventurer on your list. Revelstoke has outstanding sporting shops that will get any outdoor enthusiast and gear junky excited. Wearabouts, Valhalla Pure and Skookum are all ready for the winter season.
Free Spirit Sports & Leisure has lots of new products in store, including Hestra Gloves and a cool light-weight mini camping stove from white box stoves. A must have for the survival back pack.
Join your friends and neighbours for Moonlight Madness on Friday, Nov. 30. Your local retailers are stocked up for the season and the Community Centre is hosting the kids’ swim and movie program so make it a night out.
Revelstoke Crime Stoppers will be service free hot chocolate at Escape Within (at Mackenzie and Second Street) from 7–8 p.m.
Take the pledge. Visit www.tenpercentshift.ca. When shift happens, we want to hear about it. Send us an e-mail to shift@revelstokechamber.com or call us at 250-837-5345.
Judy Goodman is the Executive Director of the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce.