Supporting one another

There is irony in the following words. That is, as we maintain separation while practicing social distance, we need to be members of a team by sticking together.

To be sure, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted lives and thrown the world into various forms of anxiety, panic, concern and uncertainty.

Sports, leagues, teams, coaches, managers and players are on the sidelines.

Many businesses and industries are either closed or operating at less than full capacity.

In the Sault area, where small businesses are the lifeline and the fabric of the community, many owners and operators are struggling while still chugging along, which is a credit to their resolve and work ethic.

And sooner or later, when restraints and restrictions are eased and lifted, let us hope that we remember to support one another.

Wherever possible, we should support anything and everything that is local.

As in supporting local sports teams and players. As in supporting local artists, musicians, churches and community endeavours.

And, of the utmost importance perhaps, supporting local business owners.

Not only does local business keep the community and the economy going, local business in turn supports the community.

For example, it is local business owners who support minor hockey in the Sault by sponsoring teams and players. Check out the team names on the front of the jerseys and the individual sponsors on the back of the jerseys and you will see how many local businesses choose it as a way to give back to the community.

Let us also remember that in many cases, there are franchises that are locally owned and operated by Sault people who generously give back to the community, an example being Little Caesars, which not only sponsors local sports teams but donates to shelters and others in need.

Personally, my wife and I are big on supporting local business.

We live downtown and we support local merchants. In fact, before the onset of COVID-19, we were out and about on a daily basis, supporting local business via food, drink, fitness and various supplies.

This is about all of us, folks.

This is about family, friends and community partners.

This is about staying local and supporting local, wherever and whenever we can.

As the name of this website just happens to be: Sault Business Matters.

More now, perhaps, than ever before.