A simple photo and a “#RediscoverRichmond” tag on social media could mean winning one of three big prize packages offering fun and unique experiences in the city.
The new photo contest was created after City of Richmond Councillor Chak Au launched his “SupportLocal Business” campaign out of concern that shops, restaurants and services in the community were suffering due to the pandemic.
Au encouraged locals and visitors to spend time in parts of Richmond where they may have not visited, and spend money at businesses that were new to them.
The photo contest, presented by Au’s campaign in partnership with Tourism Richmond and the Richmond News, runs until Sept. 22. If you want to enter the contest, it’s very easy: Snap a photo within the city, post it on Instagram or Facebook and tag it with #RediscoverRichmond.
Contestants using the hashtag will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of three amazing prizes.
“Both Councilor Au and the team at Tourism Richmond have been so great to work with, and with their help, we were able to put together some pretty significant prize packages, and encourage people to come to Richmond and have a little bit of fun while they’re out supporting businesses,” says Rob Akimow, director of sales and marketing for Richmond News.
“We recognize it can be tough for people to spend money if they've been laid off or are experiencing financial hardship do to the pandemic, so we wanted to make the contest entry as simple as possible.
Ideally you can support a local business in Richmond and take a photo, but ultimately, we want to encourage people to come to Richmond and safely, spend some time with friends and family, enjoying what our beautiful community has to offer.”
Akimow says they’re seeing dozens of entries each day.
All prizes feature one-night stays at local hotels, restaurant gift cards, activities and gifts.
The “Family Fun” package, valued at more than $700, includes mini golf for four people, a Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site tour, bowling and pizza, and more.
The “Seaside Adventure” package, valued at more than $750, includes a whale-watching trip, cannery tour and clue-solving adventure game.
And the “Spoil Yourself” package, valued at more than $800, includes McArthurGlen Designer Outlet and Absolute spa gift cards and a wine tasting to end the day on a relaxing note.
To help remind people about what else the city has to offer, Tourism Richmond is also highlighting 31 things to rediscover this summer.
For example, there are more than 800 restaurants in the city, offering plenty of opportunities to dine somewhere new-to-you. Why not eat all 13 dumplings on the “Dumpling Trail” and earn bragging rights by doing it all in a single day?
Or, experience the outdoors with a scenic bike ride along the West Dyke Trail, an evening stroll around Garden City Community Park or a kayak or paddle board adventure at Imperial Landing.
There’s also indoor go-karting, berry picking at the localfarms, Lulu Island Winery and Fuggles & Warlock’s beer-tasting room.
“Richmond has some extremely popular tourism spots,” says Akimow, listing the historic fishing village of Steveston and Richmond Olympic Oval as good examples.
“But it definitely has a lot more to offer.”
Meantime, Au continues to connect local businesses and customers with a website and Facebook page to advertise promotions and where Richmond residents can share their recommendations.
The city’s economic development office is recommending people support local businesses by shopping online or ordering via phone, buying gift cards, ordering meals for takeout or delivery, and rebooking appointments instead of cancelling them.
The office also suggests stocking pantries with local supplies, signing up for online classes or fitness tutorials, and reviewing businesses on social media.
No purchase is necessary for the contest and it is open to all B.C. residents who are at least 19 years old. Winners will be selected by random draw on Sept. 23 and odds of winning depend on the total number of entries received.
For the full list of 31 things to do in Richmond this summer and more details about the contest, visit the website.
