Santa's Little Helpers: Shopping Local From Our Sponsors on Black Friday
- Chris
- Nov 28
- 3 min read
Black Friday is here, and while it's predominantly a "South of the border," thing, the big-box retailers are shouting about their mega-deals online. We want to cut through the flashing "sale" banners and remind you of something powerful as you start filling out your Christmas shopping list: shopping local matters.
Nine in ten Canadians (92%) said they love having small businesses in their community, but only 13% do most of their shopping at small businesses. Instead, most people (87%) reported doing the bulk of their shopping at large multinational retailers, either in-store or online [1].
Every dollar you spend at a small business does more than buy a product, it strengthens our community. Here’s why:
$68 of every $100 spent locally stays in the community. Large multinational chains contribute only $11 of every $100 spent to local economies.
Local businesses donate 136% more to local charities than big retailers.
Shopping local creates up to 3x more jobs in our community.
Lower carbon footprint: Our sponsors source their materials closer to home, reducing transportation emissions.
Get unique, hand-crafted products you won’t find in mass-market stores.
Nearly all small retailers (97%) said they contribute to their community or province in at least one way— the top ways they do so include donating to charities and causes (74%), sponsoring local events and teams (56%) and providing job opportunities for youth (55%) [1]
If you're starting to think Christmas gifts this Black Friday, support the sponsors that help make 🅿️☠️🅿️ the great community event that it continues to be!
Hammer Nutrition Canada – Fuel Your Adventures
When you’re out on the trails or hitting your fitness goals, hydration and energy matter. Hammer Nutrition Canada has been keeping our runners fueled with their delicious Heed sports drink and Hammer Gels for 4 years now and you'll see them again with us on course this year!
By supporting Hammer Nutrition, you’re not just buying endurance fuel, you’re backing a company that cares about the athletic community. Choose a brand that’s been with us every step of the way. Drop a tube of Fizz into your young athletes stockings. They'll love the flavour and the fizziness and it keeps them hydrated while topping up their electrolytes after the big hockey, basketball or indoor soccer game.
Evans Tree Work – Craftsmanship That Lasts
Nothing compares to the artistry of Evans Tree Work. Owner, Steve Evans transforms sustainably sourced wood into stunning, rustic pieces that celebrate nature’s beauty. Our race awards this year will be handcrafted by Evans Tree Work, and his attention to detail is second to none. When you shop with Evans, you’re investing in quality, sustainability, and local craftsmanship with woods and labour right here in Ontario.
From benches, to tables to fun wireless chargers, Evans Tree Work is an amazing woodworker creating functional art from sustainably sourced Ontario woods.
Sue’s Soap Creations – Pamper Responsibly
Why settle for chemical-laden soaps when you can indulge in luxurious, handcrafted skincare from Sue’s Soap Creations? Using ethically sourced ingredients, Sue creates soaps, lotions, and balms that are gentle on your skin and the planet and this year, Sue is making very special soaps for our prizes. Treat all your loved ones who have skin to the special gift of products that smell amazing while supporting a local artisan who truly cares about quality. Don't forget to pamper your pet with her dog paw balm!
Thank You for Choosing Local
Every time you shop with one of our sponsors, you’re helping keep our community strong. You’re supporting jobs, sustainability, and the spirit of local entrepreneurship and you're helping 🅿️☠️🅿️ continue to be a great community event.
AI prompt: A trail runner forgot to lather off soap bubbles and is running through the woods while taking a gel and carrying an artisanal, hand-crafted bench.
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