Mass Market News

During these difficult times the smallest gift can brighten someone’s day. That’s what the Town of Lincoln is hoping to accomplish with the Canadian Flower Boost Challenge, a pay-it-forward social media initiative. “The challenge is for an individual or business to purchase flowers for someone and challenge them to pay it forward, and then challenge someone to do the same,” said Lincoln economic development officer Paul Di Ianni. The Flower Boost Challenge was initially started in Holland by a company named Van der Ende Group. Employees challenged each other on LinkedIn to buy flowers for colleagues, friends and family. CosMic Plants in Beamsville became aware of the challenge and reached out to the town, which gladly agreed to participate. “The idea behind it is during these difficult times, as many of us are staying in our homes, everyone could use some cheer and colour in their lives,” Di Ianni said. Not only is it about brightening someone’s day, says Di Ianni, it’s also about helping local Niagara flower shops which have seen a downturn in sales, with the fear of workers being laid off and crops being lost. Floral shops have closed off the inside of their stores, but most are still accepting online orders, and some have expanded to outdoor market options, or have curbside pickup available. “If people are interested in purchasing flowers, they should connect with their local flower grower,” said Di Ianni, adding that grocery stores are another avenue to purchase flowers. To keep with the social distancing, ordering flowers to be delivered to someone’s home is a possibility, or leaving flowers at a person’s doorsteps is an option, as well. Mayor Sandra Easton started off the challenge by delivering flowers to town staff and has challenged St. Catharines mayor Walter Sendzik, who gladly accepted over Twitter. On March 25, in partnership with Hoogendoorn Growth Management Systems, CosMic Plants will be donating a large volume of orchids to Niagara EMS staff, all in the name of the Canadian Flower Boost Challenge. “We do want to see this go viral if possible, but at the end […]

Source: www.niagarathisweek.com