Second year students in Conestoga’s Bachelor of Public Relations program have raised more than $7,500 for Reception House Waterloo Region, a local non-profit organization that welcomes and assists government assisted refugees.
Students in Conestoga's Bachelor of Public Relations program put their skills into practice to raise funds for Reception House.
The proceeds were raised through seven fundraising events that students planned, promoted and executed on their own. The events integrated learning from the Project Management and Events Planning and Promotion courses, and provided a hands-on opportunity for students to put their skills into practice.
Fundraisers included a Dog Jog at Bechtel Park, a Friends trivia night, a fashion show featuring local models and consignment store finds, a night of bowling at Bingemans and a hip-hop event at District night club.
Students worked under the direction of faculty members Dave Barrett and Patricia Uribe.
“Dave and I are incredibly proud of the students’ hard work and contribution to our community,” said Uribe. “Due to the recent ice storm, two student groups were forced to cancel their events at the eleventh hour, which prompted them to practise issues management and crisis communications. They turned raffles into online auctions and used their PR skills to raise awareness about this excellent cause through social media and through Conestoga’s International Office. These two events raised almost half the proceeds for Reception House thanks to the students’ amazing work.”
The programs and services at Reception House assist refugees throughout their settlement and integration process, allowing them to lead healthy and productive lives in their new community. According to the organization, it assisted approximately 1,000 refugees and migrants in the region last year.
Conestoga's Bachelor of Public Relations degree program was the first to be approved in Ontario and the fourth of its kind in Canada. Graduates are prepared with critical thinking skills and the practical experience required to manage reputations, responses and relationships on behalf of their organization.