UNITY — Unity Credit Union and Delta Co-op shared some Christmas cheer for members throughout December.
Unity Credit Union Marketing Manager, Megan Schweitzer, said they began a promotion called “12 Days of Christmas” as a way to grow their Facebook engagement back in 2016. “We were blown away by the amount of interest in the items each day and the overall participation in the contest, so we decided to continue it in 2017.”
After a couple of years, UCU staff had members ask about the promotion again which has now led to this annual Christmas promotion becoming an annual social media event for the past six years.
“As hosts, it has been a heartwarming to gift so many members at Christmas time and see, and hear, their excitement when they win and come to claim their prize, “adds Schweitzer.
Knowing COVID-19 affected small businesses in 2020, UCU made a conscious effort to purchase all items locally to support the community and local small businesses.
“In 2021, we did the same but decided to take it one step further showcasing gift ideas from various businesses. Each day featured a different business with a different gift. We added the option of a “tagged” friend, who would also win a $5 gift card from local business Rise + Grind. We thought the gift for their friend would help spread Christmas spirit by allowing each member to both give and receive.”
Winners were posted each day on UCU Facebook page as well as a complete list of winners once the promotion was over.
Similarly, Delta Co-op, who has locations in Unity, Luseland, Macklin and Wilkie, hosted a similar promotion, and it was available to members at all of their Delta locations.
Marketing Manager, Julie Spencer, says, “As far back as I can remember, one of my favourite things about getting ready for Christmas was an advent calendar to count down to Christmas Day.”
The Co-op decided to present a virtual advent calendar through social media to countdown with the community with each day presenting a different surprise. People got to enjoy special promotions, contests, staff holiday messages and videos. Many of the staff had a great time coming up with ideas and working as a team to execute their plan.
Spencer said there was much positive feedback from the community on this initiative.
“The videos went over really well, and some of them are quite funny. I have a blooper video from their rehearsals as staff came in on their days off to participate in this fun and it was a great activity for us to do as a team.”
Delta Co-op drew for a Christmas dinner at each food store location with winners being Mary Stang at Macklin, G. Fawell at Unity and Curtis Thomas at Wilkie. The little chefs’ cupcakes and tree decorating contest was won by Rogan Seltzer from Macklin, Kevin Kotzer in Unity and Kate and Owen Klein in Wilkie. Win your purchase day was won by Kent Reiber in Luseland, Mary Koch in Wilkie and Al Schell in Unity. The Winter Wonderland decoration contest iPad winner was Erica Kiefer. The promotion wrapped up with a $1,000 giveaway, drawn on Dec. 24, which was won by Harrison Kelsch.
