Peninsula News Review has just launched a new twist on the game of Monopoly called Peninsul-OPOLY and local businesses have geared up to join in the fun.
The game is easy. Peninsula News Review has produced its own version of the classic Monopoly Board, but those obscure Atlantic City properties have been replaced by our own community’s businesses. The game can be found in the Peninsula News Review newspaper from Jan. 23 - March 27.
To play, all one has to do is visit the businesses on the board. After dropping into a minimum of 10 businesses and receiving a stamp/sticker to mark your visit, you can send in or drop off the game board at the Peninsula News Review office to be eligible for a prize draw.
Two winners will be drawn for $500 and $200 gift packs, respectively, and, let’s face it, that’s a lot better than accumulating Monopoly money. (While colourful, that pile of play money won’t get you anything outside the game. Trust me, I tried it as a child.)
But beyond the fact that there are real prizes to be won, the real reward of participating in Peninsul-OPOLY is undoubtedly that it may just introduce folks in the community to one of the great businesses that make their home on the Peninsula.
It’s a reminder that there are things about living in a small town that you really can’t quantify.
People tend to know one another and they seem to appreciate things a little bit more. Folks seem to be less jaded and authentic and, when someone needs help or has a question, it seems there is always someone around to lend a hand.
Those small-town characteristics certainly extend to the business community.
Take Leah Hayward, the owner of Smor Scandinavian Bakery for example. Her business (which is on the game board) opened only a few months ago but has already become a part of the community.
“People have been so amazingly welcoming,” said Hayward. “In the first week, we were seeing regulars. We take the time to learn people's names and chat with them about what’s going on in their lives and in the community. We remember them and it’s like making new friends every day.”
It’s a feature of small-town business that was echoed by Ryan Windsor, the Mayor of Central Saanich.
“This game draws attention to the importance of local business. They’re owned by people who typically live in the community and who care about the people they serve,” said Windsor.
Sidney’s mayor, Cliff McNeil-Smith agreed, noting residents who shop locally are supporting their neighbours and helping to bolster the vibrant communities in which they live.
As for North Saanich’s mayor, Peter Jones, he’s a personal supporter of local businesses and puts his money behind that sentiment.
“It’s really rare for me to go into Victoria to shop. We have great businesses on the Peninsula and this contest will help the community appreciate the range of businesses we have,” said Jones.
Look for the Peninsu-OPOLY board and game rules in the Peninsula News Review or drop by our offices at 101-9842 Second St. to get started.
Entries must be submitted by March 31, but that’s plenty of time to check out the community’s great businesses and no doubt make some new friends in the process. That’s what small towns are like, after all.
