Buy Local gift cards inject $50k into local business

The Buy Local Greater Geraldton gift card program has pumped more than $50,000 into local business since it was launched just two and a half months ago.

The EFTPOS-based gift cards were developed by the City of Greater Geraldton with the aim of keeping money in the region. So far more than 70 businesses have signed onto the program, meaning you can gift anything from car repairs to locally made art.

“Every time you shop local, the whole community benefits and the Buy Local Greater Geraldton Gift Card program is entirely about supporting locals,” Mayor Shane Van Styn said.

“So if you’re scratching your head about Christmas present ideas, consider buying a few of these gift cards.”

There is no cost to be a participating business. To qualify, businesses must be either locally owned and operated, or a locally owned franchise.

Since the program started in last September, 458 gift cards have been sold.

The cards can be purchased from “Load-up stores” Mitchell and Brown, Rigters group IGA stores, Cellarbrations stores, as well as online for anywhere from $10 to $1000.