By Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar

Buy local this holiday season

Dec 12, 2018 | 4:11 PM

THE MALLS AND BIG BOX STORES will no doubt be packed this holiday season with shoppers eagerly trying to find everything on their list for their loved ones. But instead of elbowing your way through the crowds, you may want to consider supporting your smaller, local stores instead.

Strolling your way through the decorated streets of our vibrant downtown Kamloops or our North Shore business hub on Tranquille Road is a much more pleasant way to do your shopping, and you might just bump into an old friend you haven’t seen in awhile and take a moment to catch up. There are numerous stores offering unique products and experiences that make for great Christmas gifts. Many of these businesses are family-owned and operated, and you can feel good knowing your dollars were spent locally and will stay in the community.

Buying local is even more vital to our smaller and more rural communities throughout the Thompson Valley, which see lulls in seasonal tourism traffic and rely on local support. That said, Christmas can provide a great opportunity to expose more people to these amazing parts of our region. Gifting someone with a winter ski visit or a summer bike trip at one of our local hills, or a round at one of our local golf courses, gives them the chance to experience some of our great outdoor recreation offerings.

Some gifts don’t require much spending at all. Promise to take your significant other or sibling on a beautiful hike through Wells Grey Park in Clearwater, which is fun to do when it’s cold or warm outside. Pack a quick picnic, and you’ve lined up a great afternoon of making memories together.

Buying local isn’t confined to the presents under your tree either. Your Christmas dinner table deserves the very best food and beverages you can get locally. From offerings like grass-fed beef to delicious produce and dairy products, to the numerous local wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries in the area — it’s easy to find products made in the region that will delight your guests.

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You don’t have to go too far to find all of the items that will make your holiday season bright. Please consider supporting your local farmers, ranchers, producers and merchants this Christmas and beyond.