Conestoga news

May 4, 2018 9:03 AM

Students raise more than $13,500 for children's backpack program

On April 27, second-year students in the Advertising and Marketing Communications diploma program applied their skills through a real-world learning activity to raise more than $13,500 at a golf tournament for Send ‘Em Off Smiling (SEOS). The non-profit organization is dedicated to providing backpacks filled with clothing and supplies to underprivileged children in the region.

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Students in the Advertising and Marketing Communications diploma program applied their skills to raise more than $13,500 at a golf tournament for Send ‘Em Off Smiling.

Students worked with faculty member Kolby Thomson-Latimer who said the donation to the backpack program was the second largest the organization had received since it was founded in 1994. The funds raised by Conestoga’s team will provide supplies for 91 backpacks this September.

“The students wanted to help keep kids in our community excited about school, one backpack at a time,” said Thomson-Latimer. “From start to finish, the students executed this event by using their skills learned at Conestoga. This was the first-ever golf tournament for SEOS: the students thought of the idea, came up with the theme “Backpack Open", created the logo and branding, advertised the event, gathered sponsors, determined golf logistics and ensured there was a sponsor on all 18 holes. What a wonderful way for our students to end their two years at Conestoga together.”

Students secured more than 60 sponsors in just 15 weeks, and despite unseasonably cool temperatures, the golf tournament attracted 130 guests at the Grand Valley Golf & Country Club. Also in attendance was 91.5 The Beat, along with students and faculty.

The Advertising and Marketing Communications two-year diploma program provides strategic and creative experiential opportunities within the exciting world of advertising. The emphasis in the program is on the integration of creativity and planning by blending projects and assignments throughout the courses. Students learn about advertising principles and advertising sales management and develop advertising concepts from idea to finished product. They are also introduced to the principles of public relations, media planning, web design, event planning, and entrepreneurship. 

Visit the program page for more information.