Hometown St.Thomas June 2025

Shopping Local Helps You Feel Better

4. Reducing Environmental Impact Buying locally means shorter transportation distances, leading to lower carbon emissions and less pollution. Cleaner air and a healthier environment benefit everyone, especially those with respiratory conditions.​ 5. Supporting Local Economy & Healthcare When you spend money locally, a significant portion stays within the community, creating jobs and generating tax revenue. This supports St. Thomas’ infrastructure, including healthcare services, which are vital for our community health.​ The Bottom Line Supporting local businesses can help you feel better. • Fresher, healthier food • More walking, less driving • Stronger community connections • Cleaner air, greener planet • Better local healthcare Every dollar spent locally helps build a healthier YOU -- and a stronger St. Thomas!

You’ve heard countless times that supporting local businesses benefits your community. But did you know that it’s also great for your health!? Here are five ways shopping and dining locally can lead to a healthier, happier you:

1. Providing Access to Fresh, Nutritious Food Our local markets and farms offer fresh produce, meats, and baked goods that are often healthier, tastier and less processed than mass-produced options. Eating fresh, locally sourced food can improve nutrition and support better overall health.​ 2. Encouraging Active Living Shopping at St. Thomas stores, dining in many of our restaurants, or visiting farmers’ markets encourages walking or biking instead of driving. This boosts physical activity, which is linked to improved cardiovascular health, weight As long as I remember, local businesses have been com- munity hubs where neighbours meet, chat, and build relationships. These social interactions can reduce feelings of isolation and contribute to better mental health.​ management, and mental well-being.​ 3. Strengthening Social Connections

“Improving mental health is our priority”

Bless Our Customers, Volunteers, and Staff Thank You for Choosing Mission Thrift Store as St. Thomas’ Favourite Thrift Store! We are truly humbled and grateful to be named St. Thomas’ Favourite Thrift Store in this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards! Every donation, every purchase, and every hour volunteered helps us support the greater mission —and we couldn’t do it without you, our incredible community. To our faithful customers, our hardworking volunteers, and our dedicated staff—thank you. Your kindness, generosity, and support make a real difference every single day. See you at Mission Thrift Store

(519) 633-4423 www.mediationcentre.on.ca • medicationcentre@rogers.com Accessible & Affordable • Client Centered Collaborative • Compassionate Virtual, Evenings & Weekend Appointments Available Call, Email, or visit our Website! Elgin Counselling & Mediation Centre has been helping clients navigate mental health for almost 30 years.

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am – 5pm Thurs 9am – 7pm Donation hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am – 4:30pm Thurs 9am – 6:30pm Closed Sundays and Holidays

Hometown St. Thomas • June 2025 • Page 53

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