Cumberland Care Kits for Post-Secondary Students

 

January 19, 2009

 

Amherst - As part of its Youth Attraction and Retention Strategy for Cumberland County, the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA) is hoping to partner with local companies and organizations to put together Cumberland Care Kits for local youth attending post-secondary institutions. The goal is for students from Cumberland County to receive a care package just in time for April exams to remind them that their community supports their efforts and to encourage them to seek employment options in the Cumberland region.

“The Care Kits are an important component of an overall strategy that recognizes youth attraction and retention as essential to our continued growth and economic development,” Rhonda Kelly, CREDA Executive Director said. “They celebrate youth achievement and encourage the leaders and innovators of tomorrow to choose Cumberland County as a place to live, work, and grow.”

CREDA Youth Attraction and Retention Coordinator Amanda Mcinnis said the Care Kits are an opportunity for companies or organizations to support a worthwhile initiative and take advantage of an important promotional opportunity by providing coupons, product samples or other items bearing their logos. “This is also an excellent way to advertise for summer or permanent employees by providing information in the packages about positions available now or this summer,” she added. Items could include snacks, personal care items, stationary, and coupons for goods and services.

Companies who choose to provide financial sponsorships instead will have their company name, contact information, and a brief description of their products or services included in each kit. Contributions levels of $25, $50 and $100 are being suggested.

Mcinnis is urging interested companies and organizations to confirm their participation as soon as possible. “Items should be received by the CREDA office no later than March 6th to ensure kits are ready to be distributed in the first week of April,” she said. Post secondary students or their parents and loved ones are also urged to contact Mcinnis with their contact information to ensure they are on the list to receive Care Kits. She can be reached at 667-3638 or by emailing amcinnis@creda.net.

A local Steering Committee over sees the Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy for Cumberland County and includes representatives from IMP Aerospace, Career Resource Centre, Amherst Police Department, Town of Amherst, CANSA and ACOA.

 

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For more information contact:

Amanda Mcinnis

(902) 667-3638