The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has announced the winners of its annual Holiday Shopping Passport draws and holiday window contest.
Over 160 downtown businesses participated in the Holiday Shopping Passport program, where shoppers received a passport stamp for every $10 they spent at participating businesses. After filling a passport with 20 stamps, the completed passport became a ballot for one of three early bird draws on Wednesdays during December for a $500 Boro gift card and a grand prize draw for a $1,500 Boro gift card in January.
The three early bird draw winners were Bob King, Devon Girard, and a person who chose to remain anonymous and asked that their prize be donated to the yearly toy drive organized in partnership by The Toy Shop, Peterborough Fire Services, and the Salvation Army of Peterborough.
Michelle Cardwell was the winner of the grand prize draw, which was held on January 8 at Venture North in downtown Peterborough.
“Downtown Peterborough is a treasure trove of unique experiences, with a variety of shops and restaurants you won’t find anywhere else in the city,” Cardwell says in a media release. “I love taking my time in each store, and discovering one-of-a-kind items that make every visit special.”
To complete her winning passport, Cardwell shopped at Stuff from Mom’s Basement, Tribal Voices, and Peterborough Photo Services and dined at the Black Horse Pub, Riley’s, and Soupcon Bistro.
“The free holiday parking during the holiday season is also a wonderful perk, giving me and my husband more time to explore,” Cardwell says. “We love seeking out and trying new restaurants as well as checking out live music and local talent at venues like McThirsty’s Pub, The Black Horse, One Eighty, and the rooftop patio at Riley’s in the summer. Downtown is truly a place where we can all connect, explore, and support our amazing local businesses.”
The Peterborough DBIA’s annual Holiday Shopping Passport program is an initiative that encourages people to support downtown businesses during the holiday shopping season. Since the prizes are gift cards that can be redeemed at downtown businesses, it also encourages the winners to continue shopping downtown.
“Our holiday programming reflects our strategic commitment to fostering a vibrant, dynamic downtown while also providing a rewarding experience for those who support local businesses,” says Peterborough DBIA executive director Nour Mazloum.
“These initiatives are about strengthening both the economic and social fabric of our community by encouraging people to spend their dollars locally and celebrating our entrepreneurs. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who shopped and supported downtown businesses during the holiday season, and we look forward to continuing to build a strong and resilient community that supports and uplifts each other all year long.”
Along with the Holiday Shopping Passport program, the Peterborough DBIA also held its annual holiday window contest, where downtown businesses are encouraged to create window displays for the holiday season.
This year’s theme was “Frozen Fantasy,” and the top three winners were determined by a community vote: T-Elle Boutique by VSL, Under Pressure Wellness Clinic, and Statement House.
Each of the three winners received Boro gift cards.
