Sault shop owner shows Canadian pride during COVID-19

SAULT STE. MARIE -- A Sault Ste. Marie flower shop owner is displaying her Canadian pride to show support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The storefront of Tamar's Trends Flower Shop is draped with Canadian flags and the owner is hoping the trend will catch on.

"I wanted to show my support for all levels of government, in the fight against COVID-19," said Tamar Tucker. "They're trying to do a job that I wouldn't want, so this is the best way I can show my support."

Tucker says her post on social media has already caught on with many in the community and she has also spoken with nearby businesses about hanging flags.

"I was chatting across the street with Big Lake Cabin and said 'hey, if you've got any flags, put them up as well,'" said Tucker. "Just show your support in whatever way you possibly can because we're a small community now."

Tucker says her Canadian flag campaign already has some big-backers, including the Sault Ste. Marie's Downtown Association.

"I think we're all missing that sense of community and I think Tamar's initiative gives us an opportunity to have that," said Kristi Cistaro of the Downtown Association.

Cistaro says the association is looking to spread the word about the campaign to other businesses.

"We can move through this really challenging time and see some positivity in a really challenging situation."

Tucker adds in addition to businesses, she's encouraging Sault Ste. Marie residents to show their pride, by flying flags of their own.