On April 22, the Bulkey Valley Rod and Gun Club held a very well-attended donor/sponsor appreciation BBQ, trap and .22 rifle shoot. We did this to give back to the business community that so willingly supports us through direct donations and sponsorship of the many events we offer our members throughout the year.
While taking in the day’s events I reflected on the “shop locally” term and what it means to a club like ours. We would be all the poorer if not for the thousands of dollars in value that we receive from the local retail and commercial sector of Smithers. We did the BBQ as one means of paying them back. The other way is by going to their businesses and purchasing from them.
As a resident of this community, I know the dollars that I spend here at home come back to me in so many ways — whether you are a figure skating club, a soccer team, or a community musical group, we all benefit from the generosity of the businesses in town. They pay commercial property taxes, shop locally themselves, employ our families and contribute to the fabric of our community. What better way for us, the residents, to support all the many offerings of the Bulkley Valley than to shop locally. Talk about an “awards program!” We have a new arena, Bovill Square, facilities at the hospital and the list goes on — all supported in meaningful ways by the business community.
Shop locally means that there are people employed in our community as opposed to an Amazon.com warehouse somewhere else. Comparison shopping to get the best deal of a family’s limited funds is understandable, but give our stores a chance and understand that you get far more than “the product off the shelf” when you keep your dollars in the community.
On behalf of the nearly 300 members of the BV Rod and Gun Club, thank-you to the more than 70 businesses that have supported us in the past year!
Brian Atherton
President
Bulkley Valley Rod and Gun Club