This Christmas, the spotlight is on the 17,390 local businesses across the Toowoomba region, as Groom’s Gifts, spearheaded by Groom MP Garth Hamilton, returns for 2024.

Groom’s Gifts supports small businesses and rewards shoppers in the lead-up to Christmas.

The initiative, first launched in 2023, gives local shoppers the chance to win a $250 voucher and other amazing prizes donated by participating outlets.

Businesses taking part include Blossom Café and Post in Greenmount and the Bull & Barley in Cambooya as well as numerous businesses in Toowoomba, Pittsworth and Oakey.

“To participate, it is really simple, you just need to do your shopping locally,” Mr Hamilton said.

“Christmas is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to celebrate the incredible small businesses that contribute so much to our community.

“Every dollar spent at a local business supports jobs, keeps money in our local economy, strengthens our community, and ensures our region thrives.

“Groom’s Gifts is a fantastic way to give back while enjoying the chance to win some great prizes,” Mr Hamilton said.

With every purchase at a participating business, shoppers can enter the draw to win, simply by writing their contact details on their receipt, and submitting it in-store.

“It’s simple: every receipt is an entry, and every dollar spent makes a difference,” Mr Hamilton said.

“Let’s make this holiday season brighter by backing our local businesses and boosting our economy.

The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce supports the importance of buying local.

“There is no better way to support our local business Groom’s Gifts supports small businesses and rewards shoppers in the lead-up to Christmas economy than to buy local this Christmas,” Toowoomba Chamber of President, Myf Rigby said.

“There are a wide variety of shops to choose from in Toowoomba and in the region’s surrounding towns to find that perfect gift.

“So shop local and keep our local economy thriving this Christmas.”

For more details, including a full list of involved businesses, visit garthhamilton.com.au/community-issues/grooms-gifts/.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 5 December 2024.