Gift cards will go toward purchases at participating Portland businesses
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Many lucky attendees of the upcoming tree lighting ceremony in Pioneer Square will walk away with a $50 gift card to one of Portland’s local businesses.
According to Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office, this gift is part of the Here for Portland campaign to support small businesses in the city that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tree lighting ceremony is next Friday, November 25th at 6 pm Mayor Wheeler’s office reports that 3,000 gift cards will be given out at the event. Gift cards will be used for purchases at participating businesses in downtown Portland, the Northwest Business District and the Central Eastside Industrial Area.
“Portland’s local small businesses are integral to our economy and deserve our continued support as they navigate the uncertain post-pandemic economy,” said Mayor Wheeler. “This initiative will help the community support Portland’s local small businesses through intentional shopping and dining as we move into the holiday season.”
The gift cards will be provided through the Kuto app, which allows customers to purchase goods and services from local businesses via secure bank transfers, eliminating the fees typically associated with electronic purchases.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the groundbreaking Here for Portland campaign to revitalize Portland’s neighborhood shopping districts,” said Kuto co-founder Kiyo Kubo.
The gift cards given out next Friday will expire on Sunday, December 11th.
The Here for Portland campaign also works to find jobs for Portland State University students. If eligible, students can apply to work up to 40 hours per week. After students complete 300 hours of work, they will be eligible for a $1000 bonus and could be hired for a long-term position with their respective business.
Prospective student workers can find more information about HFP’s efforts at HereForPortland@gmail.com or register for the program here.
“These restaurant and retail businesses cooperated with social distancing guidelines that protected our community and did so at great cost to their own bottom lines,” said Worksystems’ Patrick Gihring. Worksystems is the Rose City Labor Investment Board and a partner in the HFP campaign.
“We are honored to be a part of this initiative to promote intentional shopping and eating to support their recovery,” Gihring added.
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