Most, if not all, of our lives have been impacted by COVID-19. How could they not be? Parks, schools, and many businesses are closed. People are asked to “stay home” and “prevent the spread”. But we still need to care for our health, families, pets, homes, and cars. So how are local businesses answering our needs?
You’ve probably heard the expression “necessity is the mother of invention”. Local businesses are demonstrating their creativity by expanding what they offer to meet demand, going online, using social media, offering curbside pick up and delivery, doing what they need to do just to stay afloat.
Car trouble? YourWay Auto will pickup and drop off your car for contactless servicing Monday to Friday. Maybe you want your summer tires on? Acton Automotive has extended hours and will swap those tires right in your driveway.
Maybe you are home with your kids who are climbing the walls. Melinda Webb, of Ambition Performing Arts, offers “I am service provider. Virtual classes are a way to stay connected with my clientele and create a sense of normalcy in our childrens' lives. I am not necessarily offering anything to the public but am offering it to my students to keep their learning, passion and schedule alive and well. Kids need a creative outlet in isolation and to keep their mind stimulated. I am offering these classes free of charge as a service to my students and because I realize the financial impact the pandemic has on everyone. I have only asked for a donation to help keep our small business alive in these dyer times, but it is not expected of anyone.” Both G-Force Junior and Forever Youngsters are offering free, local delivery of children’s items. Check them out online. https://foreveryoungsters.ca
For your pets (or fur children), Farm to Paw Boutique and Market is offering both curbside pick up and local delivery. Maxine, from Blackcreek Animal Hospital, wants pet owners to know “We will deliver food and medications to the elderly or immunocompromised or quarantined within L7J area. We have an online store that clients can use to order food and medications. Clients can select home delivery (there is a delivery fee). We are practicing social distancing and bring pets into the clinic and the Dr calls the owner to go over their concerns and we have just launched our telehealth site where clients can book video, phone or message appointments with our Vets. The telehealth website can be accessed from our website or Blackcreek.smart.vet.”
Home renovations, a sure sign of spring, seem to still be happening. Lee Sikema, of LS Custom Contracting, says “We are helping our clients get their projects organized for permits and planning for post distancing. We are doing ‘isolated’ jobs assessed on an individual basis.” Benjamin Moore – A Home Inspired Décor Studio is now offering free local delivery. Both Deker Electric and Abbey Electric are available for emergency electrical situations. Or maybe you’ve decided to tackle that big purge you always thought you would do. Halton Container is still offering garbage disposal services.
Many local specialty shops are also offering home delivery. These include Black Creek Coffee (locally roasted beans), The Way We Were (new and consigned clothing), and Acton Optical (eyeglasses, contact lenses and repairs). Squizzas offers handmade crafts, gifts and custom-made t-shirts which can be ordered and picked up by appointment. And although Everything Dogs Halton is closed, owner Pauline Broadhurst is police cleared and is offering free porch pickups and delivery for people in isolation and the elderly.
What’s for dinner? The Red Harp, Tommy’s Grill and Bar, and Twice the Deal Pizza and Wings are all offering curbside pickup and delivery.
And then there are the places offering solutions for the every day struggles. Where can I find flour, yeast, meat, vegetables, baked goods and most importantly, toilet paper? Sweet Molly’s in Acton is open by appointment offering British grocery, meat, candy, chocolate and giftware. The Holland Shop is open Tuesday to Saturday. They limit customers in store and offer curbside pickup of deli meat and cheese, buttercream cakes and pastries, frozen goods, sausages, take out sandwiches, grocery items, candy, cookies, spice cakes, raisin buns and other baked goods. Traditional Taste Bakery of Georgetown is now offering delivery to Acton.
Two home grown businesses have really gone the extra mile to help Acton shop local and stay home as much as possible.
Cody’s Cows is open Monday to Saturday. They have expanded their selection of fruit and vegetables, dairy, baking supplies like yeast and flour, baked goods and they are even known to have toilet paper on occasion. Shauna Maltby confirms they still carry their usual meat products with weekly specials, offer their weekly fruit and vegetable box orders and they are trying to continue offering ready to go meals on Fridays. Like the big box stores, the number of people in the store at any time is limited to maintain social distancing. They also offer local delivery. This is one local business that has expanded its product line to meet peoples’ needs and has seen growth during this difficult time as a result. Follow them on Facebook for current offerings.
The other is The Red Harp Pub who have expanded from the restaurant business to offer contactless shopping. Samantha Shein explains items available include fresh fruit and veggie boxes, frozen meat boxes, some baking supplies, condiments, and limited deli and dairy offerings. For a full listing follow them on Facebook. Orders must be placed by midnight on Wednesdays and are delivered on Saturday.
This has been a period of adjustment. Acton businesses have answered the call, changing the way they do business to help lift Acton UP. Let’s show them some support and keep it local.
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