The Downtown Langley Business Association is hoping you鈥檒l Shop Your Heart Out this holiday season, but not for the reason you might think鈥�

While the organization鈥檚 holiday shopping contest has been a highlight for many years, it was time to change things up. How better to do that than by giving back?

鈥淭his community is so focused on charity and local support. When we were looking at what more we could do we thought, 鈥榃hy don鈥檛 we give back even more?鈥欌�� says Teri James, executive director of the Downtown Langley Business Association.

was born.

Not only do shoppers have a chance to win one of three $1,000 shopping sprees with participating Downtown Langley businesses, but they can also help direct thousands of dollars to local charities.

Each participating business contributed $100, and between Nov. 13 and Dec. 21, people can email info@downtownlangley.com to weigh in about which Langley charity they鈥檇 like to receive a donation.

鈥淪imply use the subject 鈥楲angley Charity,鈥� share the name of your favourite charity and hit send,鈥� James says. 鈥淥n Jan. 4 we鈥檒l announce the two Langley charities with the most votes, and each will receive $1,500!

In addition, the DLBA will donate $500 in each winner鈥檚 name to the Langley charity of their choice.

Check out the for holiday shopping inspiration and to discover why giving back is important to local retailers.

鈥淭he secret to living is giving,鈥� reflects Carrie from the Passionate Home. 鈥淭hough we strive to bring value daily, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to come together with our community for our community.鈥�

Says Sherri, from Stickys Candy Langley: 鈥淭his is my home. It is a part of me and I am a part of it; giving back is how healthy communities function.鈥�

Enter to win your shopping spree!

It couldn鈥檛 be easier to win one of three $1,000 prizes of a shopping spree to be used at Downtown Langley businesses participating in the promotion.

Between Monday, Nov. 12 and Monday, Dec. 24, simply write your name and phone number on the back of your sales receipt, and pop it in the ballot box.

Winners will be drawn on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. Votes for your favourite charity are welcome between Nov. 13 and Dec. 21, with the winning charities also announced Jan. 4.

Come join the fun and help give back.

鈥淐ommunity giving has been an important part of our business to 20 years. We鈥檙e proud to support those who support us,鈥� says Heather, from 1 Fish 2 Fish fresh seafood market.