Small businesses in the Saint John region impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are getting a helping hand from a digital marketing agency.
Magnolia Marketing has launched a virtual online fundraiser and contest called “Gift For Good”.
Residents can buy gift cards from select local businesses to help cover their costs. For every gift card they buy, they are entered into a draw to win a prize pack.
Lindsay Cyngot, the co-founder of Magnolia Marketing, said they recognize the impact of COVID-19 on small business owners has been significant.
“This is just a small piece of things that people can do but every little bit helps for them,” said Cyngot. “We’re really happy that we’re able to do anything we can to provide relief for them in these difficult times.”
Every gift card purchase will count as an entry to win a prize pack worth more than $600, donated by local artists and businesses.
It includes a $100 Atlantic Superstore gift card, a $200 gift card to the Moosehead Small Batch Brewery, a $50 gift card to Sherry Brown Photography, a weekend car rental at Avis Budget Saint John, vintage brass picture frames with prints from Homegrown Vintage, a $20 gift card to Luxury Tanning & Beauty, and a batch of cookies from Ethel and Mary’s.
Co-founder Katherine McNamara said several businesses have already signed up to be part of the fundraiser.
“We have about 15 so far. We’re in the process of setting up five more and we’re still trying to get more people on board just so we can have a bigger list of people,” said McNamara.
They include Pomodori Pizzeria, In Pursuit, The Urban Shoe Myth, Vegolution and Breakout Saint John.
McNamara said the goal is to help one another out during a time of need and bring awareness to the challenges small businesses are facing.
“Every day they’re providing us with incredible experiences and we just want to bring that to light and really encourage people to support them,” she said.
