How Victoria Businesses Continue to Show Up During COVID-19
"Self-isolating" and "social distancing" have become normal words in our vocabulary and lifestyles over the past few weeks. With so much uncertainty right now, that craving for routine, normalcy, and social interaction is stronger than ever.
We are so lucky that Victoria's small biz community is creative, inventive, and adaptable. We are seeing their strengths now more than ever as free deliveries, pick-up windows, and the words Zoom video become regular installations in our day. We wanted to use this space to highlight just a handful of the ways businesses and individuals around us are adapting the way they serve so they can continue providing routine and comfort through these unprecedented times.
FITNESS + HEALTH
Third space Movement | By donation | providing regularly scheduled workout classes over ZOOM video and on Youtube.
Fernwood Yoga | FREE with donations accepted | providing regularly scheduled yoga classes over ZOOM video.
Jenny Hindley Yoga | FREE | local yoga teacher providing yoga sessions on YouTube. Jenny normally does weekly yoga with our staff at the office and we love and miss her classes!
CREATIVITY + EDUCATION
This is Good | FREE | regularly scheduled Finishing classes via ZOOM video. Their finishing classes are co-working sessions in which you are provided dedicated time work towards completing projects that are important to you. Think of it as a group of creative accountability buddies!
The Regional Assembly of Text | FREE | providing letter writing prompts through their Stay Stationary, Send Stationary campaign. A great way to send a little love to friends near and far.
Royal BC Museum | FREE | Has started webinars and online playdates for children and homeschooling parents. As well as virtual interviews with their curators each week for the adults and lifelong students.
Russell Books | always provides free shipping on Canadian orders over $50 but has now instated a pick-up window as well for safe book shopping without the need to enter their (new and fabulous) storefront.
Kwench | has opened The Craic. A series of interactive courses, debates, workshops and classes. They have everything on there from ukulele classes to show-and-tell. Definitely something to check out if you're craving some fun socialization!
FOOD + DRINK
Whistle Buoy | has gone full-fledged beer delivery business with three daily delivery windows.
Rootside Soda | Free local delivery on all their products with no minimum order charge.
Ruth + Dean | serving take-home meal prep so you and your family can enjoy a warming wholesome dish.
Nourish Kitchen | Their pantry staples such as bone broth, pancake mixes, and cashew cheeses are available for pick up when ordered online.
ENVIRONMENTAL
West Coast Refill | Still providing pick up using sanitized containers for all you home cleaning needs with their eyes on local delivery.
Thorn & Thistle | Is selling flats of veggie starts online with free local delivery so you can get your soon-to-be-delicious home vegetable garden up and running.
What are your favourite spots doing to keep the ball rolling during these uncertain times? Share in the comments. Stay safe and stay home.
- The SALT Team
