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Be kind to business

Be kind to business

Many local businesses did it tough during the pandemic. By shopping locally, you are not only supporting small businesses, you are also supporting local job growth and helping to build strong, vibrant communities.

Here are some ways you can continue to support local businesses:

  • shop locally at one of our community and local shopping centres
  • consider ordering online and having your order delivered
  • purchase locally made goods
  • interact with small businesses via social media to show your support ie comment on or like their posts
  • purchase gift cards and gift vouchers
  • order takeaway
  • explore what businesses are offering online.

Help for businesses

Maroondah City Council’s Bizhub is offering pathways to assistance resources, programs and tools for our business community. They are offering free one-on-one sessions with a business expert who can provide advice based on your unique situation.

If you know someone with a business that needs support, encourage them to contact Maroondah’s BizHub.  The Business Victoria hotline is also available for assistance on 13 22 15.

Kindness stories

Read below about how the community was kind to local business during the pandemic. 

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we encouraged community members to send in their stories of kindness, whether it was about others, yourself or local business. The purpose of sharing these stories was to allow community members to share some of their positive pandemic experiences with fellow community members. These messages were extremely powerful and brought a smile to some people’s faces on some of the loneliest days.

Thank you everyone who sent in a story. 

Being kind to business

I used the local pharmacist, in the last 2 weeks with easing of restrictions I have got take-away meals once a week, arranged for Coles online delivery service.

Jean

Thanks IGA

Shopping at IGA East Ringwood has been a pleasure during this trying period. A well stocked store, helpfull staff and an efficient checkout mode made shopping easier and safer than at the larger supermarkets.

Monica

It's more than just "the job"

Eastwood Primary School has been a beacon of light during this wild time.

My little girl who has attended the school for a few years was broken hearted when she had to stay home. But the swift and decisive actions of the Principal and her wonderful staff meant that she didn't miss a beat in her learning. Every morning she met with her teacher and class mates on line. There was work set that was fun and engaging and balanced. The huge shift from classroom to digital content must have been a huge transition for the staff, but not once did we feel that they were struggling or unsupported.

We cannot thank the staff of the school enough. That local businesses have been donating sanitiser (Eastlands) and coffee and cake for the teachers (Milk & Wine Co) says that it isn't just parents who hold them in high regard.

Thank you, Rukshana and all of the wonderful staff.

Ms Jane

Deferred Free Coffee

One of the places I get coffee from has a loyalty card system (via a barcode so there's no cards changing hands). In the time of lockdown I have clocked up a couple of free coffees. However, I made the decision not to use them until it was possible to enjoy them with a cake/ dessert (my favourite food group) dining in. Today when I told them my reasoning the barista said, 'til we're recovered financially.' I confirmed that was what I was getting at since $5 now is a much higher percentage of their takings than $5 normally or in the anticipated new normal.

S4mel

Thanks to the friendly Milk & Wine Co team

The fabulous team at Milk & Wine Co in Heathmont have been supporting local frontline workers by facilitating pay-it-forward meals and providing free morning teas. This is a new business that opened just before the pandemic hit! They have been spreading kindness in the community & thinking of others from the day they started, well done.

Belinda

Thank you!!

I have tried to support local business who have worked hard to stay open during the pandemic but really they have been kind to me. Going for a walk each day to get that much needed coffee helped me cope with the more difficult things going on in my world. It's the little things that become important at times like this.

Leanne

07/04/2020
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