Header Image: @feroxcreations https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/FeroxCreationsCo

Support local.

It’s something we hear time and time again. With our current unprecedented situation, supporting your local economy is vital.

When you support local businesses, farmers and growers, and charities through new digital ways you are investing into your physical community.

Let us feast!

Guelph is a culinary destination unlike any other. Our downtown streets are lined with independent restaurants serving up all the culinary delights from artisanal pizzas, to French cooking, to classic diner burgers and fries. Guelph also boasts an array of cuisines from around the world.  We might be physical distancing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t “travel the world” in your own backyard with the 2020 Visit Guelph Guide’s checkbox of international flavours .

Speaking of culinary delights – did you know Guelph has a culinary walking tour? While Taste Detours isn’t running during this period, we would be remiss not to tell you to scoop up a gift certificate to use once the tour stops are open again. Psst!… Taste Detours created a delightfully delicious cookbook, Little Bites: Tastes from Isolation.

Our foodie scene also shines a spotlight on our incredible craft brew industry. Our local breweries – Wellington, Royal City, Brother Brewing, Fixed Gear and distilleries – Dixons and Spring Mill are offering delivery! Whether it’s cracking open an award-winning IPA or crafting a new gin concoction, our local brewers and distillers will appreciate your next order.

Avoiding the grocery store? But, needing fresh produce and meats. The Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday 7a.m. to 12noon. Many of your local farmers’ market vendors are also offering delivery or contactless pick up options. Here is a handy map to help you find your vendors’ contact information: https://maps.managemymarket.com/4043

Clickity, click, let’s shop!

What a better way to support your local small business retailers than purchasing directly from them online! Go on[line] and browse, find those things you need, or those gifts you meant to grab earlier, and support a local shop.

Don’t currently have a reason to be shopping? Grab a gift card or two that can be used when the time is right.

Find a listing of over 450 guelph businesses here: guelphshops.ca

Looking to support Black owned businesses in Guelph? Check out this great resource page.

Join the online [move]ment

Find yourself sitting around all day?

Local groups like Up and Running are encouraging you to get active and support your mental health. The Running Works ran a scavenger hunt and contest running.  Get out on the trails (that are currently open and practice social distancing) and share your #solobutsocial and @runningworks selfie! There might even be a prize involved.

Looking to stay indoors and active?  Uniquely local gyms like Loyobo Fit and Shake It Off are offering a variety of online classes . If you haven’t already checked it out, see if your gym is transitioning to online services, and tune in. They want to keep you active and healthy. Now is the time to try a gym and join a digital community, without having to leave your home!

Donate or Volunteer

The People and Information Network (PIN) releases a weekly list of urgently needed volunteers for a variety of organizations across the city. Subscribe to their newsletter to stay in the know and see how you can help.

Blood donation needs never stop. Donations are still happening by appointment only. If you can, please donate. 1-888 – 2 DONATE or online Blood.ca

We love the trend that many people are turning their ticket refunds into a donation to a local festival or theatre show. A small little boost to help them through the tough times.

Many charities rely on fundraising through events and in-person connections. Consider picking a local charity of your choice and help them continue to provide services within the community. Not sure where to begin? Canada Helps is a great online resource to help you find a charity to help.

Spend some time:

• Writing positive reviews about your favourite local places are great for keeping their digital presence a float to future visitors. As well as putting a smile on the face of an owner.
• Sharing your favourite business posts to your family and friend networks; this help introduce them to potential contacts that may not know they are operating during this time.

Great community initiatives we also want to share with you as we are so proud of our community. This is only a few of the stories we have been gathering. Guelph is a caring community, that supports each other through the tough times.

• Guelph Strong Clothing line created with proceeds going to the Food Bank
• Dixons Distillery producing sanitizer
• Spring Mill Distillery producing sanitizer
• Neighbourhood Group donates 100% of Gift Certificate sales to an employee fund
• Caremongering Guelph Facebook Group – see how you can help your fellow community members
• Ward 1 Studios – Alone Together Video Series
• Wellington County Museum asking residents to journal their COVID-19 experiences and to be a part of history.

We are all in this together.

Be kind. Stay connected. Give support. Social Distance.

#visitguelphlater #GuelphStrong #GuelphProud