Following the devastating bushfires in 2019 and 2020, the business community is now doing it tough with COVID-19 restrictions.

Coupled with that, some businesses were forced to close down completely in order to meet regulations on large gatherings.

LUSC was one of those businesses.

Marketing and events manager Mel Blanch said LUSC was looking for a way to engage its own members while supporting the local business community.

"LUSC went into lockdown in late March but we wanted to keep interacting with our own members and provide some entertainment for them.

"COVID-19 restrictions has meant that many businesses are struggling. There are social distancing rules and travel restrictions also in place.

"So we didn't have many locals walking around the CBD or visitors coming through on their holidays.

"We came up with the monster market raffle campaign," she said.

Ms Blanch said the campaign works by providing businesses with opportunities to link with new or existing customers.

Each participating business provides a voucher which is used as a raffle prize.

The campaign is now in its 10th week and despite the club reopening, the campaign is still effective for businesses and members.

"Even though we reopened, the campaign was still working really well for the business community while our members liked the concept," Ms Blanch said.

"It is a great way to support the local business community.

"The feedback from the businesses has been really positive.

"Businesses are telling us that this is considered additional business for them and really opening up new markets for them.

"The entire concept is simply about shopping local rather than buying online.

"It's about supporting the little guys in business," she said.

"We have created more regular customers for these businesses."

Fieldwork Flowers owner Christie McMiles says she is grateful for the continued support she receives from LUSC and the community.

"In recent months the gift vouchers have made a huge difference to my end of week sales and eased the looming threat of Covid-19 restrictions and the winter trading," she said.

"It has also been really nice to meet new customers unaware there is a florist in Laurieton and become pleasantly surprised by my range of flowers, decor and service. I have done many advertisements in the Local Courier and other forms of advertisement, and still people are unaware that there is a florist in Laurieton.

"The vouchers have not only been great financially but also give the store some great exposure to a new market.

"?I believe this would be the case for many small business in town."

Ms Blanch said she hopes to see more businesses come onboard and support the concept.

"The Camden Haven community really comes together at critical times, including the bushfires and now COVID-19.

"They rally and support each other and this community.

"There is a real community spirit here and they get behind and support you."

There are currently 58 separate vouchers drawn each Thursday night, with tickets available until 4.30pm. The draw kicks off at 5pm.

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