Dec. 17, 2021, Treaty No. 1 territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ has created a new gift card available just in time for last-minute holiday shopping that gives Winnipeggers a new way to support local in the heart of our city. To celebrate the launch, Winnipeggers can buy a “Bonus” Downtown Winnipeg Gift Card to get an extra $10 to spend downtown.
The Downtown Winnipeg Gift Card program aims to facilitate more spending downtown and help downtown businesses with economic recovery post-pandemic. The launch comes on the heels of City Council’s approval of the Economic Response and Recovery Plan, which includes a specific focus on downtown.
“We’ve seen Winnipeggers come together to support local businesses and the Downtown Winnipeg Gift Card gives them a new way to show their support and get something in return,” says Kate Fenske, CEO of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. “By purchasing a Downtown gift card and then spending it at their favourite downtown business, Winnipeggers can help support the owners and employees who are an important part of the downtown community.”
For a limited time, Winnipeggers can purchase a $30 “Bonus” Downtown Winnipeg Gift Card for just $20. That’s a $10 bonus to shop and dine downtown at their favourite participating retail stores, restaurants or personal services businesses.
“Our downtown community is stronger together, which is why we’re excited to be a part of the gift card program,” says Melanie Bernadsky, owner of Freshcut Downtown. “We hope Winnipeggers take advantage of the ‘bonus’ and spend downtown because our community really needs support right now.”
Almost 200 businesses located in the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone have signed up to participate in the program and accept the gift card as payment. The “Bonus” gift cards are available for purchase at Downtown Family Foods on Donald and Jets Gear Canada Life Centre. A list of participating businesses can be found at downtownwinnipegbiz.com/giftcard.
To help kick-off the program launch, Santa handed out gift cards and cookies to folks downtown on Friday morning.
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Gift Card is issued by Peoples Trust Company. Card funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) or any other government deposit insurer or agency. Funds do not expire, non-reloadable and no cash access. For Cardholder Agreement or Customer Service: www.getmybalance.com or 1-833-558-1108.