The battle is back on.
This year, Battle of the Businesses 撸奶社区aims to raise $75,000 from Nov. 1 to 30 for Community Christmas Care, an organization that ensures locals in need get food and gift hampers for the holiday season.
"Two years ago, we hit $77,000, which is the most we've raised in one year," said Melanie Bradley, who started the annual fundraiser with Diana Frederickson in 2017. "And so the goal, in my mind since, has been around that 75 K mark because I know we can do it. Last year, it was considerably less. I think that's an absolute indication of how the cost of living has blown up over the last couple of years. With that comes an even greater need for this."
Thirty-three businesses—including 11 that have never participated before—have signed up to challenge another business to raise the most money.
Many come up with unique ways to do that. Some businesses donate money from a particular item sold. In past years, a business hosted a charity drag show. Another threw a winemakers' dinner.
"In those moments, you see the spirit of innovation happening, not only in the creativity of the fundraising but how do we push it one step further," Bradley said.
The main focus is to ensure a happy holiday season for all 撸奶社区residents, but there is a perk for the participating businesses, too.
"The unexpected side bonuses that have grown over the years are these collaborations between businesses that perhaps would've never engaged each other in the past," Bradley said. "They're in a group chat together. They get to interact. That was never planned, but it's the way it's become … They also have traffic being driven and cross-pollinated on social media to highlight their presence."
But it's not just businesses getting involved. On Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. the community's first responders—including RCMP, the fire department and marine search and rescue—will each bring one of their vehicles to the Walmart parking lot and host a toy drive with donators choosing which vehicle to put their toy in.
"They set up a fire pit, and I'm about to reach out to a couple of places—I usually try to provide lunch for them when they're there," Bradley added.
For their part, the Battle of the Businesses collects cheques at the end of the battle to turn over to Community Christmas Care, which can then buy groceries at a wholesale price to stretch the donations.
"This fundraiser through the battle has become incredibly vital to push further how many groceries we can actually buy. That's a wonderful and special thing," Bradley said.
Meanwhile, anyone who might need an extra boost this Christmas is encouraged to apply to receive a hamper by the Nov. 15 deadline. Applications can be picked up and dropped off at Under One Roof, Sea to Sky Community Services, PearlSpace, and most local churches and at The 撸奶社区's office on Second Avenue. (.)
While Bradley might be the face of the Battle of the Businesses, plenty more people are involved with the fundraiser. (Frederickson co-founded the event but had to take a step back this year.)
Kelly Ann Woods has helped with marketing, and Georgia Hennessy Jackson stepped up to gather items for a silent auction slated for the end of the event, support businesses and mobilize volunteers.
"This town is remarkable at showing up and supporting its residents," Bradley said. "I'm incredibly appreciative of all the support I get in all the endeavours I take on and the way this community supports itself when it comes to helping each other out."
To see the participating businesses visit "
