Ellie Black helps RBC with new initiative to support local businesses

The Royal Bank of Canada is helping local businesses with a relief fund through its newest initiative, Canada United.

Each time someone watches a video on the Canada United website, likes a post on the initiative’s social media or uses #CanadaUnited on Twitter, the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) will contribute 5 cents — up to a maximum of $2 million — to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund.

Local business needs us now more than ever.@RBC brought together over 60 large corporations, business associates and the Canadian Chamber Network to create #CanadaUnited. pic.twitter.com/UpfsJ9mmei

— Canada United™ (@GoCanadaUnited) July 21, 2020

RBC has partnered with numerous government and corporate partners to source additional funds for the campaign. It has also asked Ellie Black, Halifax-born Olympic gymnast, to help support the project.

“Living on the East Coast we’re like a family,” Black says on NEWS 95.7’s The Todd Veinotte Show. “Supporting local is already a really big part of my life.”

Black says when she’s in Halifax, she enjoys shopping at local boutiques like Sweet Pea Boutique, getting fresh produce at the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market and dining at local restaurants including Stubborn Goat.

“You get to know these business owners on a first-name basis,” Black says. “All of these amazing memories are made at these restaurants and places in your communities. And right now, they really need our support.”

From Aug. 28 to 30, RBC will hold a national Canada United Weekend. Over the three days, Canadians are encouraged to support local businesses to kickstart the country's economy. RBC will also contribute to the $2 million relief fund up until Aug. 31.

Small to medium-sized businesses registered or incorporated in Canada can apply for a grant through the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund. Businesses will have to meet the eligibility criteria which includes making an annual profit between $300,000 to $3 million and having less than 75 employees.

On top of her rigorous schedule which includes training, working out and physiotherapy, Black was excited when RBC asked her to help support the initiative.

Currently, Black would have been in Tokyo, Japan competing in the 2020 Olympics in artistic gymnastics. Originally, the Olympics were to be held from July 24 to Aug. 9. Now, it has been postponed until July 23 to Aug. 8 in 2021.

“This whole year has been a massive change for people,” Black says. “Really no one could have expected this.

“As an athlete, I’m very used to having bumps along the road and having to re-adjust the plan and figure out how we’re going to make it work.”

Right now, Black is in Halifax for the summer — her first time spending an entire summer in the city in around 10 years.

“In a nice way, it’s great,” Black says,” because I can be here, I can enjoy Halifax, I can enjoy the Maritimes and really support what we have going here especially in this tough time.”