Letter to the Editor
Editor,
As we are imprisoned with this terrible COVID-19 pandemic I see lots of friends staying in touch with Facebook. As well, I see many helpful posts, caring posts, and lots of the rest too. We are so fortunate to live in such an amazing community and although we do not have everything, what we do have is a great amount of compassion and humanity.
This letter for the most part is to remind everyone to continue to support our local businesses, now and when this pandemic is behind us. I have seen so much rallying and offers of help while these places try to survive. Because of the current situation we are all in I have learned information about what businesses can offer that I would not have normally known through our virtual world on local Facebook sites.
While we are all in different situations and no one should make assumptions about another’s economic stability, please know that many or all of our local businesses and private service providers are likely struggling. There is still overhead for many while doors are closed.
Who knew that The Kitchen provides fresh produce and eggs? As well, E&R Bulk Bin provides eggs, butter, and some frozen local meats. The local farm markets also have a variety of fresh products. Businesses like these have lost most of their potential income because of having to close the doors to walk-in business. Please consider some of your needs to these small places and call ahead. Not to take away from the grocery stores, thank-you so much for all you do. I would like to encourage more to of us to do your shopping on-line or by phone for pick up or delivery; this keeps you safer as well considers the staff who are in harm’s way every day.
Remember all the downtown businesses and those beyond the main street when you need something, from shoes to a broom to a windshield wiper. Many stores are available for curb pick-up, please make a call before you go to the big on-line shopping channels or out of town. Try to overthink just what is available locally because these business operators need us more than ever. Some services may only be available when it is safe to commence work again and will be glad to be booking in advance which gives them some insight and comfort of what is to come. Some businesses are very limited to what they sell and offer; it may be those niche businesses that will not survive.
Now to all of you who are reading this online. I am not related or affiliated in any way to The Meaford Independent. I will say that the staff there are special to me. I have an understanding of what it takes to make ends meet running the paper and I for one really care about my weekly paper. I have subscribed since it opened even though I still subscribed to the Express. The Express sadly is no longer in operation. There is a huge cost of operation and thousands only use the internet to read what The Meaford Independent produces. The main source of revenue is through advertising and with this pandemic small businesses can’t afford to advertise.
If this is published it was probably with some wincing by the publisher and editor however my suggestion is for all of you to consider subscribing at $50 a year, where you can enjoy the read the old-fashioned way. If you just do not want the paper hard copy in the mail then perhaps consider making a donation of $10 or $20 annually just so you can still look at the paper on line. Consider it a tip. Let them know you appreciate their efforts.
And finally, please play your part in stopping the spread. I look forward to getting back to normal and seeing everything and everyone again out in our wonderful community.
Shannon-Lee Wilkie, Meaford
