Chamber News
Chamber encourages shop local and safety first
As Waterford reopens ahead of the Christmas rush, Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber says he is encouraged by the commitment he is seeing to shop local.
“It is wonderful to see the shops open again and we truly hope everybody will come out and support them. It has been a very difficult time for retailers and businesses in general and it is our duty now to do what we can to make a difference.
“We have seen a significant increase in the amount of Waterford Shop Local Gift Vouchers sales and I know we have been very vocal, along with other stakeholders, in getting the message out there to support local this Christmas.
“We will continue to do everything we can to support our members, but the best way to help this Christmas is to make the conscious decision to buy your gifts in locally owned stores or pick up Waterford Shop Local Gift Vouchers in the Book Centre, at Waterford Credit Union in Parnell Street, Upper Grange or Tramore. You can also buy them online at www.waterforchamber.ie
“And of course you can also be in with a chance to do your Christmas shopping for free with thanks to Red Hat, the multinational software giant with a base in Waterford. Tune in to WLR for ‘The 12 Red Hats of Christmas’ where €1000 worth of Waterford Shop Local Gift Vouchers will be up for grabs daily for 12 days, thanks to the incredible generosity of the entire team Red Hat in Waterford.”
Commenting on the competition, James Mernin, Director of Software Engineering, Red Hat said: "We’ve been looking for ways to support the local community, and the wider South East region, through the tough times we find ourselves living in, and we feel this is a perfect way to do just that. We’re also delighted to be able to convert some of our own open source community spirit into Christmas cheer, and we wish all our staff, their families and everyone in the South East a happy and safe festive season."
While we all get into the Christmas spirit, which is so badly needed this year, Gerald reminds us we need to be careful. “While we encourage everyone to get out and shop and of course enjoy Winterval, we are asking people to be extra vigilant – follow Government guidelines and be cautious. We do not want to be facing another lockdown in the new year. It is imperative that we all take responsibility for ourselves and behave in an appropriate manner.
“This is our city, our people and while there may be cause to celebrate like never before should Waterford win the All-Ireland, please do so in the confines of your own home, within the Government guidelines.
“It’s been one hell of a year, but we have got through it. Let’s now see it out safely together.”
