The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce is encouraging Yukoners to buy local this month by kicking off a month-long event. It began with Yukoner Appreciation Week, which ended Sunday.

This year, 82 local businesses are participating in the event, making it the largest Yukoner Appreciation event yet.

“It is more important than ever to support our local businesses,” said chamber chair Lars Hartling.

“We’ve extended our event to really encourage Yukoners to spend their money locally this year.”

Instead of the annual passport contest, Yukoner Appreciation Week is hosting a month-long contest.

This month, Yukoners who “Shop, Dine, Stay and Experience Local” in Whitehorse, can enter for a chance to win one of five $1,500 gift card prizes to redeem at any of the participating businesses.

Each purchase made until Nov. 30 will be a chance to win.

“Like many organizations, we’ve had to adapt our event this year,” said Hartling. “We want Yukoners to feel safe participating, while ensuring businesses get the most out of this event.”

The Buy Local November contest will be hosted on the chamber’s website.

Yukoners will be asked to enter the date and location of their purchase and keep their receipt for proof of purchase. All entries will be entered into a draw, and winners will be chosen at random.

The chamber represents almost 500 businesses and organizations in the Yukon.