The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation was this morning celebrating the success of a Christmas programme designed to spread holiday spending more evenly around Bermuda. The BEDC revealed that during their 24-day Christmas shop to draw initiative, shoppers spent $259,554 within the Somerset, North East Hamilton and St George’s economic empowerment zones with more than 80 businesses participating.Ray Lambert, director of BEDC micro, small & medium enterprises was very happy with the results.“It not only incentivised customers to shop in the zones, but provided an opportunity for our officers to engage with the shop owners and get hard data on sales,” Mr Lambert said. “The initiative was a win, win for all involved. I appreciate all the support from the participating businesses and public at large.”From November through Christmas Eve, people were encouraged to eat, shop and play in any of the BEDC’s EEZs. Anyone who spent $20 or more in any participating restaurant or store within the EEZs were entered into a draw for a chance to win a $500, $300 or $200 gift voucher to their favourite participating restaurant or store in the EEZs. “The purpose of the exercise was to encourage members of the public to expand their idea of where to spend their dollars during the holiday season,” said Donte Hunt, BEDC officer in charge of the North East Hamilton EEZ. “While there are great stores and restaurants in the city centre of Hamilton, there are also great locations outside of those areas too.”Ondreyah Rochester, junior MSME officer overseeing Somerset, said: “Our goal was to get people to consider these different spaces that often get overlooked and I believe we achieved that goal. Our aim to is encourage the public to share the love, share the spend and hopefully reignite business in some of these areas.” The draw seemed to be an idea that excited consumers as well.“I was really surprised,” said Kyran Simmons, the grand prize winner in north east Hamilton who won a $500 gift voucher. “I never win anything and so I am very grateful to BEDC. Great initiative to get people shopping in the area.”Shalynn Smith, who won a $300 gift voucher, thought the programme was right on time.“It helps the stores and customers to stay faithful to small businesses in the area,” she said. Dennis Carter, junior MSME officer in charge of St George’s said that by participating in this initiative, people really had the opportunity to explore new spaces and get to know them too.“It was great for the zones, great for the businesses and fun for the shoppers too. Everyone was happy,” he said.Other winners included Tiffany Douglas, Whitney and Laverne Tucker, Colin Bean, Gloria Smith, Shanette Robinson, Julie Harrington, and Susan Mutch. All winning cash vouchers could be spent at one or multiple participating locations within a single EEZ. For more information visit www.bedc.bm.