From the left: Steve and Adelle Densham of Avonmore created a Facebook page, North Stormont Shop Local, designed to assist in the promotion of small businesses in the township of North Stormont. Courtesy Photo
AVONMORE – North Stormont-Shop Local held a successful “Big Third Wave Give-Away” on their Facebook page, created by Steve and Adelle Densham almost three years ago. The draw was held live on May 7 on their Facebook page, with fifteen prizes donated by local businesses in the municipality won by participants. North Stormont businesses that participated in the draw include Swiss Farmer Bakery, Cedar Barn Homestead, Delastpillow & Weighted Blankets, Crysler Home Hardware, Moose Creek Dental Hygiene Clinic, Treats & Treasures, Over the Moon Photography, Cooters Automotive, Finch Feed and Seed, Jamieson Campbell Monkland, CC Squared Photography and Finch Restaurant.
In a message to The Chesterville Record, Adelle explained the Facebook page was created almost two and a half years ago and is maintained by the couple with the mandate to “promote businesses and services located within North Stormont.
Adelle commented how “If ever we needed to support our local small businesses, the time is now,” continuing that these businesses are “a major part of the life blood of our community.” She noted how North Stormont does not have an economic development officer; the couple “are trying to fill a small gap and support (…) businesses by cheering them on and bringing their awareness to our community.” The effects of the COVID-19 restrictions have hit small businesses hard, and she mentioned how “several local businesses stepped forward to offer draws” which would help boost moral in the community as well as promoting local shopping.
The successful “Big Third Wave Giveaway” was described as “a HUGE success,” with Adele commenting how “We live here, we’ve raised our family here and we want to see our community succeed.” She continued how the couple “have been able to bring all three levels of government out to meet business owners and we are happy to do features on the businesses and the owner” on North Stormont Shop Local Facebook page. North Stormont business owners who “would like us to promote you, please message us.”
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.