A lucky Maple Ridge resident took home $1,000 in gift certificates in the Local Shopping Spree contest put on by the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News.
Esme Dressel said she put little reminders on her phone to make sure she entered the contest, which ran from March 27 to May 8, every day.
And her commitment paid off.
Dressel won $200 in Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association gift cards, a $300 gift card for Mark’s, and then she got to choose five participating businesses for a $100 gift card each.
There were 12 participating businesses this year including: Fraser Medical Aesthetics; Hot Dogz Grooming; Pyrgos Taverna; Root’s Natural Organic Health Foods; West Coast Toyota; Big Valley Heating and Sheet Metal; and Haney Appliance and Sound.
Dressel chose gift cards to: Mark’s; Fern and Lilly Fine Gifts; Hopcott Farms; Me-n-Ed’s Pizza Parlor; and Ridge Meadows Hospice Thrift Store.
And, she laughed, she has practically spent all of her winnings.
She made dinner plans with her sister right away at Me-n-Ed’s, she is thinking about buying waterproof shoes for walking the dog at Mark’s, meat at Hopcott Farms, and little gifts and knickknack items from Fern and Lilly.
Dressel is also excited to explore the shops downtown – shops she hasn’t had the opportunity to visit, until now.
“It will be a good excuse to go in,” she noted.
This is, by far, the largest prize Dressel has ever won.
She was very happy the contest supported local businesses, something she also strives to do.
“We don’t mind paying a little extra to support local,” she said.
Charlie Costa, general manager of the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows News noted that 50 per cent more people entered the contest this year over last, and the response on social media was great.
“These contests foster a meaningful connection between our residents and advertisers. It’s a joy to see our winners so excited to visit their favorite shop. As you’ll notice, they choose a fantastic blend of both national brands and local boutiques,” said Costa, thanking all advertising and retail partners for making this year’s event a resounding success.