Mount Boucherie jewelry sales provide local, international benefits
As malls get busier, department stores schedule extra workers and people scramble to find the perfect Christmas presents, students at Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary are creating, marketing and selling gifts that truly do keep on giving.
Boojangles is a business run through Mount Boucherie's resource program by students who make jewelry and then work to sell their creations.
"It is really a way to create an opportunity for students to excel in an area of interest; we really bring it under vocational skills training and pre-employment training," said Heather Whistle, a resource teacher at Mount Boucherie.
"Students get to learn a variety of skills: Things like design, budgeting, customer service, marketing skills, quality (control) and working with others."
Profits made from the sales of Boojangles products go toward international charities; to date, the Mount Boucherie store has sent over $2,000 to those in need.
To help increase sales during Christmas, Boojangles has been travelling to local businesses and visiting trade shows to display their products.
"There was a fair trade show that went on a couple weeks ago and we almost sold out of our stock there," said Whistle.
According to Whistle, students have leeway to choose whether they will create rings, necklaces, earrings, bookmarks or other products.
"I think there's enough variety in what it all entails to keep their interests high."
Students involved with the business are gearing up to release a new line of jewelry after Christmas using pennies that will soon be out of circulation.
Whistle said profits from those sales will go toward Free the Children's campaign to provide clean water for children in impoverished countries.
Those interested in learning more about Boojangles or purchasing products are asked to call Heather Whistle at 250-712-7040.
wpaterson@kelownacapnews.com
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