Support Local
With my Dad being an entrepreneur, we were taught at a young age to support local when we could. Our doorstep was greeted weekly with the delivery of Purity Dairy milk bags, our fridge was stocked with ADL cheese, and freezer full of meat from the farm that our Dad help his Uncle run in Wiltshire. We spent our weekly summer vacations at a campground in Cavendish, bought from local bakeries, and always purchased our back to school supplies at a local store downtown as opposed to Staples (“like everyone else”). My Dad used to get upset if we wanted to go clothing shopping over in New Brunswick rather than using the stores we had on PEI. I remember sometimes being so annoyed that we couldn’t go on that clothing shopping trip so I could sport a new American Eagle hoodie, but the older I get the more I understand exactly what he meant and the importance of buying local - especially being a small business owner myself now.
I feel so fortunate, through my business, to get to meet, learn, and assist other local businesses and business owners. Their hard work and passion to make our Island a better place is admiring and inspiring to see. These, and many other Island businesses are, and have been, working tirelessly to adapt to these uncertain times. It has been amazing to see, but they can’t do it alone. We need to do our part as consumers - as Islanders - to notice these businesses and help them through these times. Supporting local has never been more important.
There’s a reason why PEI is a world-wide known tourist destination. Yes, we have beautiful beaches, rolling green hills, and historic charming towns; but we also have top notch businesses to serve them. These businesses make a difference in improving the quality of life on our Island and help support our economy throughout the year. Take the opportunity to visit and purchase from some of these businesses over the coming months - you won’t be disappointed, and your support WILL make a difference in keeping these businesses, and in turn, our Island going.
What we did as a family wasn’t much but it was what we could do, when we could, and it helped. Every little bit helps. At the time I thought we were just keeping my Dad happy, but what I know now is that we were keeping dozens of other Islanders - Island owned business operators, and their families - happy as well by deciding to choose local. We all know how lucky we are to live on PEI - let’s really find out just how lucky.