Many in the community are aware of the supportive nature of local businesses, but the results of a recent survey from the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce has quantified just how much that support is worth.
A total of 100 members of the chamber responded to the survey, which asked owners and manager how much their business donated to "good causes" on the North Coast in 2014, and the final figure was an impressive $2 million. Chamber of commerce president Rosa Miller said that information is something people should keep in mind when they think about spending their hard-earned money.
"As part of encouraging people to shop locally, we wanted to show that money spent in town is often used to support the community ... if you're looking to do Christmas shopping, it's a great idea to do it in Prince Rupert. The money you spend will likely come back three-fold with how businesses give back," she said, noting responses came from a mix of small and large businesses and industry.
"$2 million is an impressive number and that is only through 100 members responding. You can imagine what it would be for all businesses in Prince Rupert."
Miller, as both president of the chamber of commerce and a member of several organizations that benefits from business support, said the June survey is something the chamber was happy to conduct to encourage people to spend their money in Prince Rupert.
"I am so proud to be in a community that can offer these kinds of support and where we can tell people about these type of things," she said.
"It never ceases to amaze me, the generosity of businesses in the community. They never hesitate to step forward to support organizations and events in the community."