In my post about the Coronavirus a couple of weeks ago I commented on the fact I was worried we were panicking about the wrong things… toilet paper and the like, whereas I felt we should be worried about the impact on our livelihoods, not just our lifestyles.
I don’t profess to be less materialistic or shallow than others, but as I mentioned I watch waaaaay too much dystopian (end of world) type TV not to worry about the events leading UP TO the apocalypse. And yes… I am being blithe there!
I felt really sad last night for example as my Facebook feed was full of posts from businesses being forced to close following government shutdown instructions. Some had been proactive and switched the way they were doing things but others have decided against offering fewer services and closing for the foreseeable future.
Usually those messages only appear when a business has collapsed. And of course for many this will be the case.
But… like many I’ve been pondering how I can play my part in helping to support industries suffering. So—though advice / instructional posts are rare from me, cos I have no expertise to offer anyone, ever—here are some of my thoughts on how we can keep doing our bit for those struggling.
Supporting creative industries
So many author book launches have been cancelled. Promotional tours shelved. Artist gallery shows and band performances all canned.
Social media however has been full of ways we can continue to support them. At the moment our postal services are still delivering which is a relief and I’m hoping this continues in some form.
Many small bookstores (along with authors) are holding online events, Facebook live book launches. A lot of independent bookstores, as long as they are able to trade, are offering free or discounted delivery… so temporarily moving their services online. (Many are sharing this news on Facebook, so check out what’s happening near you.)
And then of course there are online booksellers. I’ve actually just reactivated my Booktopia affiliate account so will share links to enable (Australian readers anyway) the opportunity to buy books online.
Don’t forget many artists have online marketplaces on their websites and you can buy there, and of course music (and books for that matter) are all available to download via various sites.
Supporting small businesses
Our government has announced some payments for lower-income Australians… of which I am one. I’m hoping I’m eligible for an upcoming payment. It’s meant to be part of a stimulus package aimed at reviving the economy as it goes down the gurgler. Of course whether any businesses are open by the time we receive payment (enabling us to spend the $) will be another matter.
However… that aside—assuming I do receive it—I’ve decided to spend as much as possible via small local businesses. I’ve actually got someone coming today to look at my overgrown gardens to do some pruning. I’ve flagged I can only afford a few hours, but it’ll be something. After a lot of recent wind and rain my back deck and windows are disgusting so (stimulus payment permitting) I’m going to get that pressure cleaned.
I’m also contemplating getting a quote from a local handyman to build a street library. As our town libraries have closed and I have A LOT of books (and live in a handy spot for passers’ by) I figured I could perhaps set up a little street library in front of my place. It’s something I’ve thought about doing for ages, but now it seems more urgent.
And if there’s anything left over, I figure I’ll get a couple of treats for me. A small vase I’ve been eyeing off, and perhaps an eyelash tint.
I mentioned yesterday on Facebook, because I expected this was coming, I took the opportunity to head out to a local cafe. They make the best Eggs Benedict in my area. They have outdoor dining and are a bit further away from the usual popular tourist strip so less-busy than other places. In a FB post they mentioned they’d reduced their outdoor seating to allow social distancing. (And moving to offer takeaway options.)
So I travelled through fairly deserted streets to arrive early and happily dined with only one other table occupied (at the other end of the verandah). And as of today dining-in is no longer… so I have no regrets.
Any tips for helping local businesses or industries over coming months?
* top image: @joshstyle via Unsplash
March 23, 2020
I love the idea of a neighbourhood library – so thoughtful! We’ve been getting take aways for a few weeks as we’ve been social distancing and are still trying to frequent our local cafe for a take away coffee on our dog walk. It’s a fine line when money is tight for everyone and you still want to support small businesses, isn’t it? I think the financial strain that people will be under should not be underestimated, it’s not just the physical threat of the virus, it’s going to take a huge emotional toll on our mental health too. I think the thing that will get us through this crisis is thinking about “we” (as in our community and the world at large,) rather than “me.”
March 23, 2020
Very much Sammie, re the ‘we’ thinking. I’ve been trying really hard to think of ways to support local businesses (and the creative industry who are struggling) and realise it’s not always about money.
I didn’t include egs like – sharing info re books or music we’ve loved.
Just being more considerate of others in general is, I think, even more important than usual at the moment. x
March 23, 2020
This whole CV-19 thing just keeps getting bigger Deb. I feel very fortunate to live away from a major city, to have shops that are fairly well stocked, all my family are well, none have lost jobs, and I have a home that I’m happy to spend lots of time in. It’s sad that the cafes are closing – they’re such great little places to get together and keep social interaction alive but on a manageable scale. I think our world is going to become a ghost town for the next few months and there will be a lot of recovery ahead on many levels. My aim is to stay positive, to not “let the turkeys get me down” and to know that our world has survived worse and recovered. Stay well and stay connected (and I love the idea of your street library) xx
March 23, 2020
Yes, I’m not in a major city either and even live outside the nearest town. Shops have been pretty manic here but I hope that improves as time passes and things just keep getting restocked. And yes, I think it’s the constant Facebook posts I’ve seen from cafes and local businesses today to say they’re closing ‘indefinitely’ that’s been depressing. Hope they’re able to reopen down the track.
March 23, 2020
It’s a world that we don’t recognise at present isn’t it? We hardly ever have takeaway but will be doing this rather than eating out – to support the local businesses. The other thing is the store with a door concept. Having said that I’m grateful that we’re here, that I work remotely and that we’ve been able to get the food we need without having to panic buy.
March 23, 2020
I’m with you on the remote working thing though something I was to be involved with has been delayed. Having said that, as I’ve not earned much over the past month or two I’m already registered with Centrelink, so I’m luckier than most who have to start that process from scratch!
I don’t get a lot of takeaway as I live out of town but it’s something I should do on occasions to keep those remaining cafes in business.
March 23, 2020
You have some good ideas here, Deb. We’ve had many business closures and event cancellations to slow the virus spread since March 13. Canadian governments have offered financial relief, and big corporations are also offering help (e.g. loan payment deferral). Many groups set up across Canada to offer help (check out https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51915723) -There is always more that we can do once the virus situation is under control. #lifethisweek
March 23, 2020
There’s that saying Natalie “Look for/to the helpers!” and it was the case when we had bushfires here recently and you can see it happening again. Just as there are those who fight over toilet paper, there are those who give their spare rolls away and offer to help others. I mentioned to someone else this morning I think this is a time that could define us, so I hope it’s for the better.
March 23, 2020
What thoughtful ideas Deb especially the Street library – love that! I think the current situation has brought out many negative in people but I also think that there are many of us who are trying to think creatively about ways we can help others, especially small businesses. #lifethisweek
March 23, 2020
It’s making businesses think creatively Sue. One of the best things I saw yesterday on Twitter was a bookshop (in US I think) who were still ‘open’ but only for pickups. And a car pulled up to the curb and someone dressed in a plastic inflatable dinosaur outfit came prancing out of the shop with a bag to hand over to those in the car.
I saw a local business (my fave fish & chip shop) offer to take your number plate if you ring and order (and pay up-front) and bring your takeaway out to you when it’s ready, so you don’t have to get out of the car etc…
March 23, 2020
We got take away (that i picked up from restaurants) twice on the weekend – as it just breaks my heart for them. I get quite upset with all the theatre and concert cancelations – more so for the FOH and bartenders etc. What are they going to do? It’s a very distressing time.
March 23, 2020
When the cancellations started I saw people on Twitter suggesting that attendees think about NOT asking for a refund… let them keep the money to pay staff anyway etc… Of course now a lot of people are suggesting buying gift vouchers for use in future etc.. So many people impacted in unexpected ways.
March 23, 2020
Thanks for sharing this perspective on the pandemic, Deb. Supporting the arts and local businesses are practical things I can start (the arts) and continue (small business) doing now. It’s good for the soul to focus on what we can do right now rather than all the things we can’t.
SSG xxx
March 23, 2020
And it’s small things isn’t it? I told the local handyman (who I’ve asked to come and do some work in my garden) that I can only pay $100 or so and if he can do as many hours as that pays (should be a couple or more I’d hope) then that’s fine. And the vase I want to buy is about $25-30 but I’ve put it off because it’s a frivolity I haven’t needed. But… once this is over (or if the place is still open and I know I’ll be financially sound) I should definitely go and buy it!
March 23, 2020
Hi Deb today is quite stressful as we think of businesses closing their doors. I have a feeling that many of them won’t reopen. I have signed up for online seminars and plan to do online orders from my favourite stores. Other than I’ll be working but otherwise laying low for a while #lufethisweek Sharing
March 24, 2020
I know Jennifer. A lot of cafes where I live struggle (tourist town and cafes come and go) and I suspect this was the last straw for most. Online seminars are a good idea. I hadn’t thought of that.
March 23, 2020
I too am very worried about businesses closing and people losing their jobs. I like your ideas for helping local businesses and think we all need to do what we can to help out. I live in a very small town and worry about its ability to survive especially as we’ve just been through the devastating bushfires. We are a resilient community and hopefully we can continue on. Thanks for sharing your ideas and the neighbourhood library is a brilliant. Our library closed today due to the virus. #lifethisweek
March 24, 2020
Oh yes Deb, your part of the world has been hit really hard. I’m gobsmacked at the number of businesses closing here. Most say it’s temporary but some have worded their updates a little different and I think they might not come back.
Yes, our libraries closed on the weekend here – though they did allow people to borrow up to 60 items!!!
March 24, 2020
All businesses deemed non-essential have been ordered closed in our state. One suggestion I saw to support local businesses it to buy gift certificates now to be used after the pandemic restrictions are over. We plan to do exactly that. Local businesses still have to pay rent, etc.
March 24, 2020
I’ve heard of that suggestion Laurie and it’s a good idea. I know someone said that business might not reopen and – as long as you’re not spending a fortune – it probably means they needed it anyway!
March 26, 2020
Thought-filled and thoughtful post Deb. I am glad you can see some ways in which to help. Two of our adult grandkids are now unemployed – as expected. One is a food takeaway place where the shop has just shut and the other a DJ. Ain’t no gatherings for his work. However, in the small ways, it seems it is bringing us back to ‘what IS important’ in life. Connections are for me. That was very much appreciated when we got to chat on line last night.
Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next week, the optional prompt, is for some, the (Easter) seasonally-based 13/51 Chocolate 30.3.2020. Hope to see you back linking up then too. Denyse.
March 28, 2020
Things are certainly changing Denyse. I know it’s all terrible for the most part but I’m starting to ponder if any good will come of this at all. I hope so.