Magalie Thérrien-Grenier et Philippe Toutant de la P’tite Boîte à Miel au marché de Noël de Dudswell le 30 novembre dernier… d’autres belles idées de cadeaux.
As of this writing, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) strike against Canada Post gives no signs of an immediate settlement. Small businesses are among the hardest hit as many of them rely heavily on the postal service to provide them with the supplies they need, as well as affordable shipping to their customers. This is equally true for the businesses in our region.
Even if, as you read this, the strike has been settled, many observers say small businesses could have a hard time recovering from its disruptive effect.
We may not be able to affect the outcome of national labour negotiations, but we can all take one concrete step to help local businesses and at the same time help alleviate our anxiety over whether our gift orders will arrive on time
Shop local ! The Haut-Saint-François is home to many locally owned and operated businesses.
When you buy local, much of your money stays in the region. Business owners purchase their goods from other local businesses. Shopping in nearby stores saves time, energy, and fuel. It offers opportunities to meet your neighbours and perhaps make new friends. They may even gift wrap your purchases, and you can take them home right away.
Here is just a sampling of local places to shop for gifts.
Brocant VLJ in Weedon
If it’s antiques you have in mind, Brocant VLJ in Weedon might have just what you want. The quaint shop is bright and clean with a wide variety of vintage items of interest.
Savonnerie Saponaria in East Angus
Over to East Angus, where a new enterprise opened its doors last month: the Savonnerie Saponaria, owned and operated by Sonya Ann Legault and Mario Gélinas, offers personal care items such as soaps, scented candles, shampoos, and bath bombs.
Wicca Kichou in Cookshire
Abygaële-Anna Courtemanche, owner of Wicca Kichou, expressed her joy at helping people find just the right gift in her boutique, whether jewelry, herbs, teas, teapots or hand-knitted scarfs.
Many farms in the region also offer their own products directly to customers, rather than depending on the often unstable wholesale market.
Maraîchers de l’or vert in Sawyerville
For a gift that keeps on giving, the Sawyerville farm, Maraîchers de l’or vert, offers vegetable baskets by subscription, available until January, containing a variety of greens and root crops.
SAG Delapointe in Bury
At SAG Delapointe, Praxède Lévesque Lapointe has run a business from her farm in Bury for many decades. In the early days, she and her husband raised dairy cattle and transformed the milk into a high-grade cheese known throughout the region.
“I have sold many things in my life but currently it is more maple products―syrup, butter, jelly, candy, granulated sugar, chocolate.”
Experiences
The holidays can be about more than just tangible gifts. Events and activities add a special dimension to the festive season. Give an experience! The Galerie d’art Cookshire-Eaton will be holding its traditional Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 14, at the Trinity United Church. The Galerie will also have ongoing art exhibits throughout the winter season.
Or go for a meal. Many cafés and restaurants can be found in the towns and villages of the Haut-Saint-François. They offer not only sustenance but a chance to spend quality time with friends and family, while supporting the local economy and strengthening connections to our community.
Small businesses surround us, in all parts of the Haut-Saint-François. Seek them out. We’ll all be grateful.
Happy holidays!
