With the sun shining and Dunlop Street alive with the sounds of spring, the launch of #MayDays was announced today by the Downtown Barrie Business Association.
Formerly known as #FreshAirFridays, #MayDays is a part of the Community Connects campaign that is geared to get people back to shopping in the downtown core while also helping out a chosen charity.
This particular event will help assist Habitat For Humanity Huronia. HFHH CEO Ken Kirk was on hand for the announcement at Everleigh Gardens at 140 Dunlop Street East and is overjoyed to not only be a part of a fun event like #MayDays, but also to have his organization on the receiving end of the Downtown Barrie BIA’s generosity.
“We’re so very thankful to be chosen as the recipient of this wonderful charitable idea,” said Kirk. “This idea helps twofold really as the transactions of funds will help support us but also when you’re down here over the next month, people are going to be seeing Habitat For Humanity Huronia and have it talked about it in every shop. That means we’re going to get more notoriety and have more people aware of our cause which is what we really need to happen.”
Over the month of May, folks are encouraged to shop and dine downtown Barrie for a chance to win over$2000 in prizes. When people make a purchase at one of the shops and/or restaurants they will be given a ballot to fill out for a chance at the prizes. For $5 they can purchase another three ballots to better their chances, with 100%of the additional ballot money going directly to the event charity. Managing Director of the Downtown Barrie BIA Craig Stevens was excited to have another launch for his hard working staff and says the good weather events are always a big hit.
“We’ve got Spring Fever,” said Stevens. “With the weather as it is today, that 20 plus degrees, gets everybody out and it’s just amazing. Winters are always tough and we enjoy them and have fun, but as soon as the snow disappears it’s amazing how many people take in our waterfront and take in the downtown atmosphere. So to take all that and now add helping a charity while we have a fun interactive time just makes it all the more worthwhile.”
Interactive is what the Downtown Barrie BIA is hoping folks will be when they stroll the area. The organization’s dedication to social media is second to none and they want people to have a good time promoting their fun through the hashtags #MayDays and #BarrieUnexpected.
“We really hope people are noticing our posts because we want that interaction with them,” said Stevens. “We want people to post selfies with their friends when they’re having lunch or dinner or a shot of them enjoying a snack or dessert by the lake and use the hashtags we’ve got going so we can show how much love we all have for our great city.”
For more information on #MayDays and the Community Connects program and events, check out the Downtown Barrie BIA website at www.downtownbarrie.ca or check them out on social media on Facebook @DowntownBarrieBusinessAssociation(BIA) Twitter @DowntownBarrie Instagram @DowntownBarrie
