We can't say enough amazing things about our community partnerships! Without which, we would not be able to accomplish half of the work that we do each year at Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold! t.co/IToBYpyd2z#ourcommunitycares #THANKYOU
— Community Care (@communitycarest) February 19, 2020
Selling hats is more than just a class assignment at Niagara College.
The mission is much closer to the heart for many of the 300 students in the School of Business selling toques and caps for their Professional Selling 1 class. They are not only sharpening their sales skills, but they are also extending a hand to help the most vulnerable in the community.
Proceeds from the hat sales will support Community Care, St. Catharines and Thorold’s Raising the Roof campaign. Funds raised benefit Community Care’s local Housing Help Centre, as well as national homelessness prevention programming.
The project kicked off in January. Representatives from Community Care visited participating classes and gave them an overview of the charity. Students were given eight hats to sell in five weeks at $15 apiece. They have until the week of March 9 to sell as much of the product as they can.
The partnership between NC’s School of Business and the local charity is more than five years strong. It began in the classes of former faculty member Derek Spence and continues today in the classes of Chris Treschak, Monique Finley and Lucy Silverstri.
First-year Business – Sales and Marketing students Libania Garcia and Michelle Bruce have partnered up for the project, stepping up their efforts to push for the cause – selling toques by the bag or half bag instead of one by one. They are not only contacting those they know but are reaching out to businesses to inspire them to give, by phone, email and even walk-ins. They incorporated social media, taking photos of purchasers in the hats, and directing them to hashtags connected to NC and Community Care.
“I think the assignment is genius, it’s the best way to really utilize the skills we’re learning throughout the entire program,” said Bruce, of St. Catharines. “It pushes you out of your comfort zone and prepares you for the class’ next concept. I’m constantly finding new ways to increase sales.”
For both, it is not about the assignment anymore, but the cause. After listening to Community Care representatives speak with passion about how the funds can help the community directly, they were inspired to help make a difference.
“The course gives us everything we need to really make a huge impact,” said Bruce. “I think it’s a fantastic way to combine the in-class with real-world experiences all while making a positive impact.”
Garcia, who is from Brazil, values the opportunity to help others.
“Who has never had the opportunity to make a donation, has no idea of the feeling that this act brings us – and I wish I could sell and do more,” said Garcia. “Definitely, the toques sell for themselves … those who have a generous heart and desire to see a better world cannot say no and they buy.”
Student Chris Hume, who is originally from Oakville, noted that he is new to the world of sales and, at first, found the project challenging. Through networking, he has found that individuals have been happy to play a role through donations and purchasing toques.
“Initially, what I thought of as stepping out of my comfort zone and into something new, was actually stepping into, what I feel now, is somewhere I belong,” he said.
Hume noted that he has found the project incredibly meaningful.
“I could not be happier than to be a part of something that is as inspiring and effective as this charity,” he said. “The opportunity and experience is amazing and the feeling from knowing that I am – regardless of how small the part I play – making a difference in some way is indescribable.
“After all, warm heads means warm homes.”
Faculty member Lucy Silvestri has been involved in the campaign since it was first introduced and has a number of reasons she loves bringing the initiative into her General Business, Sports Management, and General Arts and Science students.
“The skill of selling is an amazing transferable skill the students apply the theory learned in class… .as well they are raising money which stays in our community,” she said. “This experience is also one that they can include in their portfolios. I am really big on encouraging the students to gain some volunteer experience….this was a great way to partner up with Community Care.”
Faculty member Monique Finley noted that the project offers students a valuable learning experience.
“A student can learn best by taking what is taught in the classroom and applying it to a real-life situation, experiential learning. The School of Business and indeed the College is focused on this type of learning-by-doing,” said Finley. “It isn’t easy to sell but listening to people, understanding motives and communicating benefits are skills that can be applied to all and any career.”
Students will be graded on the project in two areas: their success in selling, and the depth of thought and reflection that went into what they learned from the experience.
Community Care, St. Catharines and Thorold compassionately provides vital services and assistance to individuals and families that meet their basic needs and help bridge their journey to self-sufficiency Programs range from food and shelter security to emergency services and support that lead to the independence clients strive to achieve.
For more details about NC’s partnership with Community Care, visit the Community Care website here: communitycarestca.ca/niagara-college-partnership
In 2019, NC students raised $27,419 for Community Care through hat sales. View article from April 4, 2019, here: www.niagaracollege.ca/insidenc/2019/04/04/niagara-college-sales-and-marketing-students-raise-more-than-27000-for-community-care/
