The Fergus Elora Retail Alliance (FERA) Gift Of Choice Program just turned two years old on Nov. 24.
They have sold over $74,000 in Gift of Choice cheques to date, which are redeemable at over 150 participating merchants in Centre Wellington.
FERA is a working group of the Fergus BIA, Elora BIA, Chamber of Commerce and Township Economic Development office.
The group worked to create a “gift certificate” type cheque that can be purchased by individuals or businesses and redeemed by recipients at any participating retailer.
The idea to promote businesses and to keep residents and visitors shopping locally.
As the cheques are sold for face value and redeemed at face value the program supports local businesses.
The community commitment of Scotiabank and OLG as launching sponsors at the inception of the program was very much appreciated, organizers state.
Janet Harrop, chair of FERA and chamber director said, “The Gift of Choice cheque is an excellent gift to give someone for any reason, birthday, anniversary, thank you, graduation, wedding, employee recognition, etc. The giver shows they support the local business community and the receiver then gets to choose the gift they want. It’s a win, win.”
Gift Of Choice Cheques are available in $10 or $25 denominations and can be purchased at the chamber office, Fraberts in Fergus, the Elora Information Centre or Epiphany in Elora.
Any local merchant who would like to sign up as a participating merchant can contact Roberta Scarrow at 519-843-5140.
