Christmas draw for Antigonish Dollars a Success

For the last three weeks, shoppers in Antigonish have had the opportunity to enter in a Christmas draw for Antigonish Dollars.

Fourteen businesses and restaurants in Antigonish participated in the draw, each chipping in $100 to go towards the three cash prizes. With a purchase, shoppers entered a ballot for the chance to win $1,000 or $200.

“The idea behind the draw was to encourage residents to shop in Antigonish,” says Heather Myers, development officer at ARDA. “The merchants came together, came up with the idea, and recruited other businesses to participate. It was a great idea and we think it has increased the amount of dollars spent in Antigonish.”

The grand prize, $1,000 was won by Ralph MacDonald. Donald Andrews and Jenn Harnett each won $200. The prize money is to be spent by December 24, 2010 in an effort to continue to support local businesses this holiday season.

“This campaign was a great promotional tool for our businesses,” says Michelle MacDonald, owner of Trendy’s Clothing Ltd. “The timing was right for the merchants to come together, for this draw, and the results could not have been better. My business has definitely seen the benefits.”

“It’s amazing to see the support for our local businesses,” says Myers. “Each one of those ballots represented money spent in Antigonish.”

A special thanks goes out to the fourteen businesses who participated:

Gabrieau’s Bistro, The Plum Tree, Cameron’s Jewellery Ltd., Trendy’s Clothing Ltd., Made in Nova Scotia Store, The Alcove Bistro & Lounge, Word by Word & Shabby Shutters, Southern Accents, Halliburton’s Pharmacy, Antigonish 5₵ to $1, Gabrieau’s Culinary Closet, Oak Manor Men’s Wear, Heaven’s Delight Fudge & Candy, and The Perfect Fit.