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Be Kind, Pay It Forward

It’s no secret that 2020 was a difficult year for so many, which is why it’s imperative that we continue to work together as a community, and support our local neighbours and businesses in any way we can. Here are some easy ways you can be kind and pay it forward in 2021!

Pay it forward

There is never a bad time for a random act of kindness or a kind gesture to improve someone’s day – pay for a stranger’s coffee at your favourite 17th Ave café; send a positive review or recommendation of a local business to a friend; or compliment the chef while grabbing your curbside pickup order. These small acts of kindness can go a long way. And, if you’re feeling generous and want to get involved in a bigger way, do some research on local charities in your area, or ask your favourite local business what initiatives they’re currently involved with. Many of our 17th Ave businesses work with local organizations and causes throughout the year to give back. Check out what they’ve been up to here, and how you can take part.  

Send a Gift

Many businesses have had to get creative this year due to the ongoing pandemic, and are now offering all sorts of different take-home specials, kits and gift boxes to make it easy for Calgarians to continue shopping local. You can now order take-home drink kits in addition to menu items from your favourite restaurants, or DIY baking kits from local bakeries. Checkout out your favourite local business and the different take-home kits, online ordering and curtsied pickup options they offer, or view some of the different options 17th Ave businesses have done here. 

Be Kind to Business Owners, Employees, Essential Workers and Everyone You Encounter.

Despite the stress we are all experiencing due to the ongoing COVID pandemic and the change it has caused in all of our lives, it’s more important than ever to be kind to those around you. Both large and small business owners, their staff, essential workers and more are doing their best to continue to provide for their communities, and move forward with their day-to-day operations as normally as they can. Give a smile and a little extra gratitude to everyone you encounter. From your local grocery store clerk, to the health workers on the front lines, we all need each other to get through this time, and your kindness will not go unnoticed.

Don’t Forget to Be Kind to Yourself

One of the most important yet easily forgotten people to be kind to is yourself. This past year has been all kinds of difficult and overwhelming, and it’s important to prioritize your mental and physical health. Spend a cozy night in, (we have all a list of all your must-have essentials, here) treat yourself to your favourite meal, and book that appointment you have been putting off for months. We’ve created a list of some of the health professionals who are operating on 17th Ave, so check out the different services you can access today, here.  

Continue to Support Local

If we haven’t said it enough over the past several months, it’s imperative to continue to support our local businesses. They are an essential part of a functioning and vibrant community, and have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Below are a  a few ways to support them both in financial and non-financial ways.

Order Takeout or Curb-side Pickup From Local Restaurants!

Support your favourite local restaurants, bakeries and food establishments by continuing to order food from them during the current COVID shutdown. The majority of these food establishments are able to offer some form of takeout, curb-side pickup or delivery so you can enjoy your favourite dishes from the comfort of your home. 

Shop Online, Order Curbside Pickup or Shop by Appointment

Much like the different restaurants and food establishments who have had to adapt to the current restrictions, many local retailers, shops and boutiques have also adapted by offering more shopping options including online, curbside pickup, and even private shopping by appointment. Before you head to bigger corporations to shop this year, check out your favourite local business to see the different options they have available. Check out our list of some 17th Ave businesses who have gotten creative and offered new ways for you to shop during the pandemic, here

Show Love Online!

This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to support your favourite local businesses, and best of all, it’s free! Head to your preferred online platform, search up your favourite local business and hit that follow button, share their posts, leave a review and tell your friends, family and followers how much you love them. It may seem like a small gesture, but word of mouth is an incredibly effective way for a business to grow their customer base. Plus, it’s a nice reminder for these businesses that during a difficult time, they still have a community that loves and supports them. 

 

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