Cambridge Local First Rallies Support for Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund with "Think Local Thank Local" Campaign

    CAMBRIDGE, MA, December 24, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Cambridge Local First, a network of independently owned local businesses in Cambridge, MA announced they would be donating proceeds from their third annual "Think Local Thank Local" campaign to benefit the Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund (CHAF).

Participating businesses in the "Think Local, Thank Local" campaign pledge a percentage of their revenues during the first week of peak holiday shopping after Thanksgiving. Promoting the effort with lively street and storefront signs, and other media, the campaign aims to mutually energize both local charity and the affiliated local businesses. Past campaigns have benefitted charities Food For Free and On the Rise.

David Pap, CHAF Board Chair said "I would like to thank Cambridge Local First for its generous donation to The Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund (CHAF) through its 2009 Think Local, Thank Local campaign. Special thanks go to Cambridge Local First's top five donors: Didriks, Irving House, Henry Bear's Park, 1369 Coffee House and Picante Mexican Grill."

About Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund
CHAF is a community coalition of Realtors, bankers and other businesses; universities, civic and business leaders and concerned citizens that assists the homeless and near homeless to move from streets and shelters to homes, or to retain their housing. Since its founding in 1999, CHAF has raised $1,500,000 to open doors for nearly 1,500 at risk households. More info at www.CHAFund.org.

About Cambridge Local First
Cambridge Local First is a network of locally owned and independent businesses formed in October 2005 to build a strong Cambridge economy and a vibrant community. CLF pursues this mission by raising the awareness of consumers about the benefits of buying local, bringing together local independent businesses for mutual benefit and networking opportunities, and supporting Cambridge ordinances and regulations that promote locally owned businesses. www.cambridgelocalfirst.org.

Top Five "Think Local, Thank Local" Donor business profiles:

Didriks helps customers create inspired home environments with their collection of home furnishings, accents and outdoor furniture. Didriks carries the highest quality teak and stainless steel outdoor furniture, designed and manufactured by Barlow Tyrie. Didriks also carries Belgian linens from Libeco Home, dinnerware, and fine pottery from companies including Simon Pearce, iittala, and Match Pewter, among others. www.didriks.com.

Irving House at Harvard has been serving the traveling public since 1945.  The current owners purchased it from the founders in 1990, renovating the house to improve guest comfort and safety as well to reduce energy use.  Irving House is pleased to continue offering Friendly accommodations in the heart of Cambridge. www.cambridgeinns.com

1369 Coffee House, with locations in Central Square and Inman Square, offers a comfortable, inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy the very best coffees and teas available. 1369coffeehouse.com.

Henry Bear's Park, serving Boston area kids and families for 30 years with a broad assortment of children's toys, games and the finest in children's books. Whether it's a classic toy for a newborn or a unique gift for a birthday, we'll help you find something creative, unusual, and totally fun. www.henrybear.com/

Picante Mexican Grill, The Fresh & Healthy Choice in Central Square, Cambridge. Picante Mexican Grill serves healthy, fresh, rustic California-Mexican cuisine.  We cook with your health in mind. 
www.picantemex.com

Contact:
Dan Meyers
Administrative Coordinator, CLF
857.998.7392

About Cambridge Local First

CHAF is a community coalition of Realtors, bankers and other businesses; universities, civic and business leaders and concerned citizens that assists the homeless and near homeless to move from streets and shelters to homes, or to retain their housing.

Cambridge Local First is a network of locally owned and independent businesses formed in October 2005 to build a strong Cambridge economy and a vibrant community.

Website: http://www.cambridgelocalfirst.org

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