A VERSATILE gift card that supports the local community will be launched in Swan Hill today.
Developed by Why Leave Town, the Swan Hill gift card is designed to help drive more sales to shops in the region and generate revenue throughout the entire community.
“It’s been in the making for about four months,” Swan Hill Incorporated marketing co-ordinator Kaylee Whitfield told The Guardian.
“The aim is to keep money local and encourage people to shop in Swan Hill.”
More than 50 businesses have already signed up to the campaign with a short-term goal of getting 100 businesses on board.
“If it continues to grow the way it has, we will have no trouble with reaching that target,” Ms Whitfield said.
Some of the stores already signed include Swan Hill Mallee Tyre Service, Holts Auto Service, Mint and Soda and Swan Hill Hire.
“It’s a really wide, versatile range,” Ms Whitfield said.
“It’s a great gift if you don’t know what to buy someone and can be used pretty much anywhere because there is such a large range of stores signed up.”
One of the initiators behind the Swan Hill gift card, Paul Dillon said the card would be very handy leading into the busy Christmas period.
“It can be a great option for employers to give as a gift to their staff or as a bonus so more people can shop in local shops,” Mr Dillon said.
“Every dollar spent local circulates around the community several times. This is about all businesses coming together to grow the community.”
Ms Whitfield added bulk orders are currently being taken to help more people keep their money local.
“You can purchase 100 gift cards and it can be used as a Christmas bonus or as gifts throughout the whole year to reward employees,” she said.
The gift card will be sold at various locations and operate via eftpos in all participating stores.
If businesses are interested in signing up, log onto the Swan Hill Inc website www.swanhillincorporated.com.au and click the SWAN HILL GIFT CARD in the right hand corner.
