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Vancity pilots interactive tool for discovering and supporting locally-owned businesses

Earn chances to win $200 vouchers by giving 'Localty' a whirl between Sept. 29 and Oct. 19.

Since its inception in 1946, Vancity credit union has had a values-based banking model grounded in the local economy, and held tight to a conviction that strong local businesses help create vibrant and resilient communities.

This summer they launched an experiment called Localty to illuminate their local business member network, and encourage consumers to keep more of their dollars rooted in the local economy.

Starting small in its beta phase, Localty currently features only Victoria-area businesses. The responsive web tool is designed for use on your smartphone or tablet, and features a searchable list of businesses and a GPS locator to alert you to nearby members as you move through the city.

Why did Vancity create Localty?

Try Localty now for your chance to win $200 vouchers

What can you do with Localty?

If you shop at one of the listed businesses, you can log your purchase through the tool and get entries into weekly contests that Vancity is running to reward beta users. Or you can 'like' or tweet about a business that you love for entries too.

Shop, like, or spread the word through the Localty tool for chances to win. And maybe you'll discover some great independent businesses while you're at it.

Join Localty Now & Enter To Win

Though Localty is currently focused on Victoria businesses, it's free for anyone to use. So if you're a regular visitor to our provincial capital, bookmark Localty.ca to make it easier to discover and support local businesses.

Try Localty Now & Enter To Win

Interested, but too busy to sign up right now?

Fill out my online form.

This will be a one-time email with instructions to follow at your leisure. Your email address will not be shared, rented, or sold to anyone.

Check out video clips of these great Localty businesses.

Spinnakers, one of Victoria's most celebrated craft brewpubs for more than 20 years.

Hip Baby: manufacturer and retailer of organic, sustainable, non-toxic products for kids age 0-6. Right on Johnson Street.

The Good Planet Company, Victoria's eco lifestyle store, specializing in green and healthy household products.

Habit Coffee, purveyors of ethically-sourced, artisan-roasted coffee and beans. Plus, their stores are carbon-neutral.

Legendary dockside fish-and-chip shop Red Fish Blue Fish.

Ready to give Localty a whirl?

Get started now for your chance to win

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How does the Localty contest work?

1) Sign up for the free Localty mobile tool. No need to be a Vancity member – just click the sign up button, or link it to your Facebook or Twitter account.

2) Start supporting over 125 Localty businesses: Each time you make a purchase at one of your favourite Localty businesses, like them or share your experience on social media, you get entries into a contest draw for the chance to win $200 in gift vouchers redeemable at any Localty business.

The more you play, the greater your chances of winning!

More details:

'Liking' a business gets you one entry. Sharing on Facebook or Twitter is worth two, and shopping at any Localty business is worth four. Even signing up for Localty is worth one entry.

One winner will be drawn each Monday between Sept. 29-Oct. 19.

(Note that contest entries reset every Sunday, so keep Localty in your favourites and participate each week for your best chance to win!)

Head to Localty and enter now

Are you a locally-owned Vancity-member business in the Victoria area?

Get info on how to get added to the Localty directory. #localty Tweets