The Christmas Spending Spree was a joint promotion in the lead-up to Christmas 2020, organised by the Business Chambers of Boorowa, Harden and Young with financial support from Hilltops Council to promote the event. Council’s input ensured all funds raised through business entry fees went back into the prize pool to be returned to the business community where it was raised.
The aim of the spending spree was to encourage local spending and reward those who chose to shop at participating businesses, while at the same time boosting the local economy.
The Hilltops Christmas Spending Spree in Young raised a prize pool of $7,100 from which three lucky shoppers were drawn for first, second and third prizes.
The winner in Young was Katie Scelly who entered at Blank Canvas by Lou and she received a gift card to the value of $5,000 which could be redeemed at any of the Young participating businesses, second prize of a $1,200 gift card to redeem with participating business was won by Gary Green who entered at Elevations 11 Cafe and third prize to the value of $900 was won by Lesley Schalk.
Spokesperson for the Spending Spree in Young, Alison Foreman, said the draw held at Anderson Park on Saturday, 19 December was given an extra dash of flair when the 25,000 entries received in Young were delivered to the park in a Ranger Raptor and a shining green Mustang from the Ford vehicle range at McAlister Motors.
Special mention goes to Hugh and Amanda McAlister for making both vehicles available on the day where Santa Claus joined forces with Cr Greg Armstrong from Hilltops Council to draw the winning entries.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the Spending Spree in Young from Hilltops Council right through to our special Hilltops Shoppers who “shopped locally”, so many people contributed, and I would like to acknowledge all of our fabulous Hilltops businesses who bring the very best shopping experiences year round.”
The Hilltops Spending Spree Boorowa was also drawn on 19 December 2020 at the Courthouse gardens in Boorowa with the winning entry from Sadie Murphy who shopped at Home Finch, drawn by last year’s winner Robyn Armour.
Sadie won $4,400 to spend in Boorowa at participating businesses.
Boorowa Business Chamber President, Angus Mitchell, said 16 additional prizes were donated by the participating businesses and included a dinner for 2 at the Boorowa Hotel, $50 gift vouchers and Christmas pudding, down to a bottle of wine as 17th prize.
On the day of the draw the Rotary Club put on a free sausage sizzle and the Boorowa Business Chamber provided free face painting for the kids.
“We greatly appreciate the assistance of the Hilltops Council by providing funds for the radio advertising, posters and entry tickets. We look forward to running the Spending Spree next year and hope it will be bigger and better,” Mr Mitchell said. In conclusion he congratulated Sadie on her win.
At Harden-Murrumburrah the Christmas Spending Spree was drawn at the Harden Regional Development Corporation (HRDC) Offices on Wednesday 15 December.
Local businessman and HRDC Board member, Brenden McKay, was given the honour of drawing the winning entries from thousands received.
The lucky recipients in Harden were as follows: first prize $1,000 to spend at participating businesses went to Bill Adams, of Harden and he entered the competition at Barnes Store, second Prize of $600 was won by Gail Flanery and she entered the competition at IGA Harden whilst third prize of $400 was won by Kate James from Wombat.
Harden Regional Development Corporation CEO Chris Ireland said the Spending Spree was a major boost for retailers prior to Christmas.
“We had a great response yet again to the Christmas Shopping Spree, it’s a great promotion which encourages additional spend prior to Christmas which is exactly what is needed for the region after this tumultuous year.”