Penticton game shop giving a Nintendo Switch to a family in need for the holidays

Photo: Facebook

The spirit of giving hasn’t faltered during this tough year for small business owners, with one in Penticton running a contest to help give a family a generous present for the holidays this year. 

Trevor Sparreboom, the owner of the recently-opened retro video game shop Game Cave, posted on Facebook on Wednesday that he’s giving away a Nintendo Switch Fortnite bundle for a local family who needs a little extra.

“I wasn't such a contest as it is a way for me to give back to somebody that is less fortunate. Everybody's had a rough year, 2020's been just a really rough odd year for everyone, myself included and I think everybody has gone through struggles,” Sparreboom said. 

Game Cave Videogames & Amusements opened up two months ago and Sparreboom was surprised at the overwhelming customer feedback and support from the community, adding it’s been busier than anticipated.

“I totally appreciated everyone shopping local and I just wanted to give back in some way. I figured if I could maybe find a family out there that might be having a hard time this Christmas and needed a little help, I kind of wanted to just be a little bit of a bright spot for them if I could.” 

Nominations can be sent by message on the Game Cave Facebook page until Dec. 18, highlighting someone that’s in need. People can nominate themselves if their own families have had a rough go of it. 

“I've already gotten well over a hundred messages from people,” Sparreboom said. “Some of the stories I'm hearing are just some pretty heartbreaking stuff, a lot of people have gone through a lot of stuff this year but some of the stories are really hitting close to home.” 

And he’s already unsure of how he’s going to decide, seeing dozens of stories that are worth the extra something special. 

“I wish I could help everyone but that's not possible unfortunately...I'm just going to read the stories and try to shortlist the people that I think need the help the most and pick somebody I think can benefit.” 

So far a couple people have come in after seeing the post on a Facebook Penticton group, deciding to support his business by buying gifts.

“That's not the reason I'm doing it, I'm not trying to drum up more business, not like a publicity stunt or anything,” Sparreboom laughed, and continued with a chuckle, “Like I said, everybody has been in a rough spot. I just wanted to help out.”

Sparreboom added he’s really grateful to the community for supporting his small business and that all local businesses and community benefit when shoppers choose to do so. 

“Amazon's not going to sit there and run a giveaway for a family in need, but a small business can. I guess that's the message, support small business and small business can support you.”

Nominations will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 18 and Sparreboom will deliver the Switch to the family on Saturday, Dec. 19.