Code RED, Holiday Photo Contest, Helping to end Homelessness, and more!
Code Red - CONTROL
We are watching the news closely today, anticipating an announcement from the Province that Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph will be moving to Code RED, effective Monday December 14th. I sent out an email yesterday with further details about the new control measures. If you missed this email, please let me know and I will re-send it to you ASAP.
You can read more about code RED and the Province’s COVID-19 response framework here. A self-screening poster is now recommended for retail establishments. Please see attached. You can find this poster and more here.
Holiday Photo Contest
Our Holiday Photo Contest continues right up until December 23rd. Encourage your customers and staff to pose with the polar bear chair, Christmas tree, or festive storefronts and tag us on Facebook for a chance to win a $50 Downtown Orangeville Gift Certificate!
For every certificate awarded, we are donating $25 to the Food Bank so have some fun and spread some holiday cheer! Thanks to the OBIA Task Force for sponsoring this awesome contest!
Starlight Shopping
I wanted to thank all of you who have extended your hours on Thursday and Friday evenings for the month of December. I am hearing comments from the community that they appreciate this initiative and have enjoyed the beautiful lights, festive windows, and the chance to do some shopping Downtown in the evenings. This year is unlike any other, we really had no way of knowing if this would be a success or not, so I would love to hear if you felt this was worthwhile for your business and if you would like to do it again next year! Email me with your comments anytime, and thanks in advance!
One more week to go! If you are planning to be open late on December 17th & 18th, please let us know and we will add you to the list of Starlight Shopping participants!
Window Decorating Contest
On December 15th, a panel of judges will vote for the most beautiful, festive, & creative storefront in Downtown Orangeville!
The OBIA, in partnership with In the Hills Magazine and Green Monkey Creative, will award the grand prize winner with a marketing package worth $1500!
The marketing package includes a quarter page ad in the spring issue of In the Hills magazine - Headwaters best loved, best read magazine, reaching 40,000 households. You will also receive design services from Green Monkey Creative to create your custom ad.
Don’t forget to tag us on Facebook and Instagram with your entry @downtownoville, or email us with a photo so that we will be sure to see it!
Curb-side Pick Up & Delivery
Are you offering curbside pick-up, online classes, or delivery? Many of you haven’t stopped offering these services since the early days of the pandemic, but it’s a good idea to remind your customers via social media, your website, and your google business page, that these services are available to them at the height of the holiday shopping season. They will appreciate not having to dig too far to find that information!
Are you currently offering curbside pick-up and/or delivery? Please reply to this email and let us know! We are compiling a list to share with the public.
Emergency Housing Services and Resources
I had the opportunity to speak to many of you this week while I was handing out these important cards on behalf of Dufferin County. These cards list emergency contact information for housing and support organizations in our area. Should you encounter someone needing assistance, perhaps on your way to work or if someone is frequenting your place of business who needs help, you can make a phone call or hand them a card and let them know that help is available. Let’s help to end homelessness in Dufferin County. Please see the attached resource list for more information. If you did not receive any cards and would like some, please contact me ambassador@downtownorangeville.ca.
Thanks everyone!
Stay Safe and please let me know if you have any questions, we are here to help!