As of 22 June 2022, we have put over $1,640,000 into the hands of local, independent businesses in over 110 communities throughout BC. There are currently 1,794 businesses participating in the Support Local BC initiative. ___________________________In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Support Local BC was created and launched a website in April 2020 so customers could purchase gift certificates for local, independent businesses throughout British Columbia. This helps support our communities, encourage social distancing, and will allow businesses to maintain some cash flow while we tackle this incredibly difficult situation.Support Local BC is inspired and managed by Think Local First, funded bycommunity organizations as well as by our Founding Partner, Vancity. Community outreach is done by LOCO BC. Northern Development Initiative Trust and BCEDA. Fortis BC has dedicated some of its call centre resources to answer telephone questions.