With more than 400 deliveries under its belt, a pilot project that has provided free deliveries for local businesses in Gravenhurst is a great success.
In early April, the Parry Sound-Muskoka Community Network (PSMCN) and the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce launched a program to cover the cost of delivery for Gravenhurst businesses offering essential services as a way to encourage residents to shop within the community while promoting Covid-19 safety measures.
The program took off rapidly with businesses offering everything from prescription drugs to pet food. In total, more than 400 deliveries were carried out.
“It’s been incredibly helpful – the support of the community has been outstanding and we’re so grateful,” says Brittany Williams of Sawdust City Brewing Co., one of the 17 Gravenhurst businesses taking part in the delivery program. “We simply couldn’t have done it without the assistance of the Gravenhurst Chamber and PMCN. It’s been an adjustment to our business model, needless to say, but it’s been inspiring to see businesses and community members all coming together to support one another. After all, we’re all in this together.”
Anette Gillan owns one of the town’s busiest deli and home baking locations at Well Fed. She says it’s been a time of adjustment and everyone is finding unique ways to offer their services to the public.”
“Although most of my customers choose to take advantage of our curbside pick-up services at Well Fed, we sure are thankful to be able to offer in-town delivery thanks to this initiative led by PMCN and the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce,” says Gillan.
This has now prompted organizers to invest more funding in an effort to keep the program running and the program will now expand to other areas.
“We now have Almaguin Chamber following with a program for delivery in Burks Falls and Sundridge,” says Stuart Morley of PMCN. “We were optimistic that businesses in Gravenhurst would get on board and the response has been overwhelming – both from the businesses community and from the residents of Gravenhurst.”
Sandy Lockhart, Executive Director of the Gravenhurst Chamber, says it’s been a very challenging time for small businesses across North America and everyone is learning to adapt.
“We know the stress on Gravenhurst’s business owners has been extreme and we’re trying to help them out in any way we can,” says Lockhart. “The people of this community want to do the right thing and support the local economy. Our aim with this project is to allow them to do that as safely and as economically as possible.”
To get involved or to find out more, contact manager@gravenhurstchamber.com