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Spreading Joy

December 12, 2023

LeftTurn Strategy team meeting posing for a photo with Santa - how small businesses can give back

 

How Small Businesses Can Give Back During Uncertain Times

The holiday season is a time for giving, and small businesses can play a crucial role in spreading joy and positively impacting their communities.

Despite uncertain times and economic challenges, there are numerous creative ways for small businesses to give back during the holidays.

Learn how small businesses can give back with some heartwarming ideas that won’t break the bank and will leave a lasting impact.

 

Support Local Causes

One of the most effective ways small businesses can give back is by supporting local causes and charities.

Consider partnering with a local nonprofit organization, shelter, or food bank.

Even if your resources are limited, small donations, fundraisers, or volunteering your time can make a significant difference in your community.

Remember, it’s not about the size of the contribution; it’s about the intention and effort behind it.

 

Encourage Employee Involvement

Your employees are an essential part of your business, and involving them in giving back can foster a sense of community and camaraderie.

Consider organizing a team volunteer day, where your staff can participate in a local charity event or help with a community project.

This not only benefits the community but also boosts employee morale and engagement. And if there’s anyone skilled in boosting morale and engagement, it’s Ann-Marie Burton!

Our festive LeftTurn leader planned a full day of fun and giving back to those in need. Decked out in Santa hats and Christmas sweaters, the LeftTurn team delivered: 

 

  • The “gift of appreciation” | We penned letters and sent morale mail to our Canadian Armed Forces.   A thank you for their selfless service and to remind them that while they may be away from home for the season, we keep them close in our hearts and minds. LeftTurn also made a donation to True Patriot Love, an important organization that focuses on veteran mental health and support. 

 

The LeftTurn Strategy team supporting ReStore in Burlington

  • The “gift of home” | We stopped by Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Burlington and came across some great finds! 100% of purchases go directly to those in need. The ReStore shop profits help fund building projects in the community.

 

  • The “gift of warmth” | We collected and dropped off gently used winter coat and boot donations at the Compassion Society  and new sock donations for Socks for Hope.

 

  • The “gift of groceries” | We shopped and dropped items off at the Burlington Food Bank. On our field trip, we assigned a budget and tasks for our team to purchase items to help with breakfast, school lunches, protein needs and Christmas day dinner and it was a humbling reminder about how food insecurity is so prevalent. LeftTurn is a proud ongoing supporter of the food bank.

 

  • The “gift of play” | We hit Walmart to purchase some of our favourite board games for The Salvation Army’s Toy Mountain, where the joy of Christmas is made possible for families struggling to make ends meet.

 

In addition to donating physical items and the education of our ‘field trip’, the LeftTurn team has also made a monetary donation to the charities listed above. 

 

Create Special Holiday Offers

Small businesses can get into the spirit of giving by creating special holiday offers for their customers.

This can include discounts, buy-one-get-one deals, or bundles that make it easier for people to save money during a costly time of year. By offering these deals, you can simultaneously attract more customers while providing them with valuable savings.

Our own special offer on now is our FREE Brand and Digital Health Check.

If it’s been a while since you’ve checked in on your brand or you’ve yet to do it altogether, this is your sign. A brand and digital health check gives you a big-picture overview of your marketing efforts and how well they support your business goals.

Learn more about the gift that keeps on giving! Check out the Brand and Digital Health Check today.

 

Adopt a Local Family

One of the most heartwarming ways to give back is by adopting a local family in need for the holiday season.

Your small business can work with a local social service agency, such as United Way, to identify a family that could use some extra support during the holidays.

Provide them with gifts, groceries, and other essentials to make their holiday season a bit brighter.

 

Promote Gift Cards for Good

If you offer gift cards, consider running a “Gift Cards for Good” campaign.

Encourage your customers to purchase gift cards with a percentage of the proceeds going to a charity or local cause. This not only generates revenue for your business but also gives back to the community.

 

Host Virtual Events

In uncertain times, virtual events have become a great way to engage with your community.

Host online events like holiday-themed webinars, virtual cooking classes, or crafting workshops. You can charge a small participation fee and donate the proceeds to a charitable cause.

 

Spread Cheer with Decorations

Decorating your storefront with festive lights and decorations not only brings holiday cheer to your customers but can also be used to raise funds for a local charity.

Encourage customers to make small donations when they visit your business to admire the decorations. You can even turn it into a friendly competition by decorating with a specific theme related to your chosen charity.

 

Creating A Positive Impact: When Small Businesses Give Back During The Holidays

In times like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a positive impact.

Small businesses have a unique opportunity to give back during the holiday season, regardless of their financial constraints.

The simple acts of kindness and donations of time or money toward a cause, education or experience mentioned above can bring joy to your community and strengthen your business’s ties with customers.

Let’s make this holiday season one of hope, love, and giving back! 



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