In the midst of a time of uncertainty, unprecedented challenges, and fear, there are ways to support your local community amidst Covid-19. By coming together as a community, figuratively- not literally, we can support the place we call home. Many of our local stores, restaurants and places of business rely heavily on foot traffic to pay their bills, pay employers and continue serving the community. Unfortunately, in many cases, in order to keep their customers, staff and neighbors healthy, business owners are having to choose the well-being of others over the well-being of their business.
Luckily, there are still ways that you can support your local stores, restaurants and places of business amidst the uncertain and unprecedented times of COVID-19 while still heeding the instructions and warnings of public health officials—here’s how.
Purchase Gift Cards
Although you aren’t frequenting your favorite restaurant this week because you’re practicing self-isolation, this doesn’t mean you’ll never go back. This week, think about purchasing a gift card, online if you can, so that the business is still receiving funds but you’re not out and about in a crowd. This can apply for coffee shops, restaurants, stores or any other locally owned place you regularly visit but won’t be for the next few weeks.
Continue Giving
Generously give to a local nonprofit, food bank, church or other organization that you are passionate about. The nonprofits in our community that support those who need it most are lifting a heavy burden at this time and need community contributions more than ever. Don’t withdraw your generosity because of a time of uncertainty, continue to support the local causes—they need it more now than before.
Follow Up
Many events that bring revenue to our community are being cancelled or postponed in order to stop the spread of COVID-19 which can hurt the funding for these organizations. Instead of being bummed about missing the event and then forgetting all about it, make sure to follow the host organization’s social media profiles or sign up for a newsletter so that you’re aware of future events or rescheduled dates. Follow through with your commitment to support these organizations even if it’s at a much later date!
When This Is Over
After the pandemic passes, what will you do next? Consider being more intentional about supporting your local community. This will likely be a hard period for many of our local businesses as this is an unprecedented time, and they’ll need your help to recover long after the news has stopped reporting. Go to a local coffee shop, buy from a local business owner, seek out nonprofits that give back to the community and continue to care about those around you.
Our hearts go out to anyone who’s been affected by this terrible virus, but we do believe that Bermuda Run is still a place where you can just be even in times of uncertainty. We encourage you to support your local community during COVID-19. There are ways that we can practically support one another while still doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Eat, play, stay…and wash your hands in Bermuda Run.
