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9 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,M ay 7,2020 insidehalton.com When Liz Da Ponte saw busi- nesses throughout the region hurting after being forced to scale back or close their doors during the pandemic, she knew she could help. The Oakville-based digital marketing consultant has creat- ed a website aptly named Support Local During COVID-19, which is designed to be a central hub for businesses, not-for-profits and individuals to share their offer- ings with local residents at no cost. "It seemed like every discus- sion in Facebook groups was about businesses needing help or individuals who were able to help," said Da Ponte. "I thought, 'What if there was a central place where businesses could share what they needed and individuals could share how they can help? '" Almost two dozen businesses from across Oakville, Burlingtonfrom across Oakville, Burlingtonf and Hamilton have posted to the new site so far. The listings have been quite varied, added Da Ponte, including bakeries, chil- dren's entertainment, online meditation and a mobile tea room. "I've been reaching out to busi- nesses in Halton and surround- ing areas to let them know about the site and encourage them to share their listings," she said. "Everyone who's created a listing has expressed thanks for the op- portunity." The local woman is hoping to grow the site and its audience, which is currently averaging about 50 visitors per day. For more information visit supportlocalduringcovid.com. NEWS WEBSITE GIVES LOCAL BUSINESSES FREE BOOST DURING PANDEMIC MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@metroland.com