The Waterford Shop Local Gift Voucher figures have already exceeded last years with close to €120,000 having been put into the business community in recent months.

While this is very encouraging, says Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber, there is still a long way to go.

“It is heartening to see the business community step up and make a conscious effort to support the shop local campaign and we have seen an increase in the number of companies looking to support the Waterford Shop Local Gift Voucher initiative. Many are using the vouchers to reward their staff for their hard work over the past few months and this is to be commended.

“Last year we processed €96,000 worth of Shop Local Gift Vouchers and the first six months of this year has exceeded that which is very positive. However, this pales into insignificance when you look at areas like Dungarvan, Dundalk and Letterkenny, towns who are securing anywhere from €600,000 to over €2,000,000 per annum.

“We cannot stress enough the importance of supporting the initiative. We appreciate that some companies have a tradition of purchasing other vouchers, but we would ask them to give serious consideration to the Waterford Shop Local Gift Vouchers for one simple reason – you can be guaranteed the money will be spent locally.

“Out of the 28,000 working population in the Waterford Urban Area, 15,000 reside in Waterford. By choosing to give up to €500 in Waterford Shop Local Gift Vouchers to your employees, you are guaranteeing €6.5 million into the local economy by the non-Waterford residents alone and that’s not to mention the local spend. We must pull together now more than ever and make a collective effort to make a difference.

“We have over 160 participating businesses who will benefit and there is plenty of choice, whether you want to do the weekly shopping, go out for a meal, book a holiday, get some retail therapy or treat yourself to a health and beauty experience.

“In light of Covid-19 and the difficulty businesses have faced, there is no excuse for the business community and general public not to make every effort in supporting local. If you are looking for a gift for a wedding, an anniversary, a new baby, a birthday or a simple thank you, why not consider giving the gift of choice.

“Waterford Council, along with ourselves, Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber and Waterford Business Group, have recently launched a Shop Waterford, Support Local campaign and the Gift Vouchers are just one part of that.

“We need to be conscious of jobs, of economic growth and of supporting our business community whenever we can. Buying a Waterford Gift Voucher online at www.waterfordchamber.ie or www.ewaterford.com or through the Book Centre, is one small step that will make a huge difference.”