Would you like to win a $1000 gift certificate in less than two weeks? Read on, and to see how this can be easily accomplished.
Would you like the opportunity to help someone who is going through a difficult time financially without having to give up too much? Read on for the explanation, but the foreshadowing is in the title of this article.
Digressing a bit, it would appear that Spring has finally arrived after the longest winter I can remember since moving to our beautiful valley in 2005. And not a moment too soon I might add!
As I write this short note on April 18th, I am happy to report that it seems to be warming up outside, and the forecast is for warmer days to come!
For many of us, this means that spring cleaning, fixing, and repair season is now upon us. Wouldn’t it be great to find an extra $1000 to help with the chores and repairs of the season?
There is a way to do this and to have a chance to meet a number of local business people who will be sharing their talents and abilities with all of us. How? By attending the 2018 Trade Show held at the Rec Centre Friday and Saturday, April 27-28.
For one lucky person, the price of admission will provide you the winning ticket for a $1000 gift certificate to be used at our local Home Hardware Store. Just show up, pay your admission, and fill out a draw ticket, and you may be the lucky winner this year! (We are grateful to Home Hardware owner Rob Schepers, who has long been a supporter of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Annual Trade Show).
This year’s trade show is not only about winning and personal gain though. It’s also about the possibility of giving a little bit of ourselves to make a difference in our community. Let me explain.
The Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce, along with Swift Internet Plus Computer Repair, Gleaners, Valley Community Services, and KES are working together on a program that is just being introduced to Creston. This program will provide refurbished, used computers to local people who are in need and cannot afford one at this time.
It is no secret that in today’s digital world, a computer has almost become an essential service. For someone who is struggling with hard times, and trying to rise above them, the uphill journey would almost be impossible without the computer and access to the internet.
Here is how the program will work.
The details of the program are really quite simple. Every year going forward, starting this year, the Chamber of Commerce will use the annual Trade Show to accept your donated, older computers. For your generosity in donating your used computer, you will receive free admission all weekend to the Trade Show.
Following reception of the used computers, some of our local computer experts at Swift Internet Plus Computer Repair will thoroughly erase the hard drives so that any sensitive data will be completely erased and unrecoverable. The Swift Internet Plus Computer Repair technical experts will then refurbish these computers so that they will be usable for someone in need.
Persons needing a computer will be identified in several ways. Gleaners will allow applications to be put in their food bank donations, while KES and Valley Community Services with their vast networks of people they work with, will be able to identify, and direct potential recipients to the Chamber of Commerce.
Persons identified will then present themselves to the Chamber of Commerce. When presented at the Chamber, the potential recipient will be given a voucher that they can present to the staff of Swift Internet Plus Computer Repair, who will then provide a refurbished computer to its new owner.
And just like that, with all of us working together, we just made a difference in someone’s life!
Even though the Chamber of Commerce is directing this program, without the tremendous support of Swift Internet Plus Computer Repair, and their generous donation of time and parts to fix up the used computers, this program would not be possible. The owner of Swift Internet Plus Computer Repair, Kitt Santano, has been the driving force behind getting this program going ever since I discussed the possibility of this program with him. Much credit for getting this program up and running certainly belongs to him and his staff.
In addition, without the help of Gleaners, KES and Valley Community Services, it would be very difficult to identify recipients who would benefit from this service. And lastly, without the generous donations of computers from the good people of Creston, this program megabytes the dust.
So, to wrap this up, come down to the Trade Show. Check out the wonderful businesses. Be prepared to open your wallet to buy some great stuff, and/or arrange to use the services of these businesses. When we keep money in our Valley, it supports all of us with interest! Let’s support Creston!!
And while you are at it, bring down your old computer that you are not using anymore, so that someone who could use it may be the recipient of your kindness. For your donation, the Chamber of Commerce will provide free admission to the Trade Show for you throughout the weekend.
Who would have thought that so much could be done just by coming to our annual Trade Show? See you there Creston.
Any questions for the Chamber of Commerce can be emailed to manager@crestonvalleychamber.com, or you can phone us at 250-428-5151.
We are typically open Monday through Thursday each week. Please leave a voicemail if we are unable to take your call. We reply to every call and email.
Submitted by Vern Gorham, who is the managing consultant for the Chamber of Commerce.