How to Support Las Vegas
In the aftermath of the ruthless terrorist attack on Las Vegas festival fans, it still may be hard to process it. I’m still shook. Las Vegas is a beloved weekend away for me for many years. Las Vegas is fun and carefree. At least it used to be.
It is important to remember that no city is immune to terrorism. That said, mass shootings are preventable, or at very least, can be significantly reduced. Though I am not American, I have loved ones who live there. No matter where we live we care. Let’s too be clear that Canada has our own issues with gun violence. Regardless, without disrespecting any victims or their families, it’s time to move forward.
Here’s an article on what you can do to help the city of Las Vegas. I’d like to add a few things to that list. As with most things in our visual, consumer driven society, your money and your attention are the best way to make a nearly immediate impact.
Visit Las Vegas
The city is understandably hurting. Please don’t let the actions of one terrorist, crazed dude affect choosing Las Vegas to vacation to. It has been great to me over the years. I’m happy to spend some tourism dollars there. Perhaps you can make it a destination too.
Book a Conference
If you’re thinking about attending a work related conference in Vegas, go and do it. The money that is generated from the business community cannot be understated. Hotels, cabs, Ubers, dining, entertainment, you name it. Every dollar spent helps the local economy. When the communities you love can work and afford to raise happy and healthy families, we all win.
Talk to Your Loved Ones
It can be quite icky when people try and find the rainbow is such a tragedy. It hurts to know we cannot bring those people back, no matter what we do. What we can do is shape the future we want for our loved ones and ourselves. It’s important that you talk to your people about what happened. Though it’s sad and hard it is imperative that you continue to listen and learn from one another. If you choose not to talk about it, please at the very least, take a second to appreciate the privilege that you have to not have to.
Go and Shop
You don’t have to tell me twice about the shopping in Las Vegas. It has tonnes of options for every budget. Luxury brands, discount stores, outlets, boutiques, malls, corner shoppes, you name it. Hell, don’t even pack a suitcase. It’s all there for you. Just get on a plane, get out that wallet, and get your look while there. If nothing else, you can consider buying a shirt that aids the victims if you can’t make it yourself.
Share the Love
If you can’t scoot away to Vegas, be sure to share the good times has by those that do. Celebrating and giving voice to good things, not just the terrible things, gets it out there. If we can see it, we can imagine it. If we can imagine it, then we may just be able to do it too. Visibility is paramount.
Every hotel and casino I walked through had #VegasStrong posters, decals, and huge billboards. They are in pain. We are too. Let’s be strong for them so they can continue to provide us with the fun that we have grown to love.
