Letter to the editor: Why don’t Newcastillians support local business?

Unemployment is on the increase and jobs are scarce. Shouldn't we be supporting each other when we can and not take our hard-earned cash out of Newcastle if we don't have to?

April 8, 2018

Reveshni Moodley 2 minutes read

Madam – I find it very confusing when people in Newcastle complain that there is nothing to do in this town and then don’t support events when they happen.

I know certain things are not to everyone’s taste, but how will you know until you try it out? I have been to so many church bazaars and other events where the turnout is very dismal and the hardworking people who pay to have stalls there end up suffering.

Unemployment is on the increase and jobs are scarce. Shouldn’t we be supporting each other when we can and not take our hard-earned cash out of Newcastle if we don’t have to?

On social media alone there has been an increase in opportunities for people to earn money by doing odd jobs or joining groups that sell cosmetics and other toiletries. People are desperate to earn enough to support themselves and their families, and sometimes this desperation is so bad they get caught in scams that take their little money and give nothing in return.

When I see this, I can see how the government is failing its people.

Why do we have to be the same and fail the needy in our own community?

There is so much a person can do to support a fellow human being. From buying a bunch of flowers from an entrepreneur at the robots, instead of heading to a supermarket to purchase it, all the way to supporting locally based events, there is much to be said for keeping the ‘wealth’ in our own town.

What harm will come from purchasing locally made soap instead of generic supermarket brands once in a while? Remember that your money is going towards feeding a hungry child in your own community.

I want to encourage everyone to look for local events that happen on weekends and instead of making excuses not to go, actually make the effort to go out and support your fellow residents. You never know just how much your small contribution can make such a huge difference to someone else’s life.

CJM