Instead of reading the classic ‘Death of a Salesman,’ students at Elmira’s Park Manor Public School are getting a lesson on how to be a salesman as they launch their annual magazine fundraiser this week.
Students are encouraged to fundraise by selling magazine subscriptions through the Canadian Community Reading Plan, in which the company donates 37 per cent of every subscription back to the school.
If the funds raised aren’t enough of an incentive, the CCRP also provides prizes that go to students who raise the most money.
Typically, the two-week fundraising blitz raises about $35,000 for the school, which staff hope means that it won’t be necessary to fundraise at other times throughout the year.
This year, Val Soehner, leader of the 18-person magazine drive volunteer committee, has set a goal of $45,000 – money to be used on projects such as a meet the teacher night, the Grade 8 graduation trip, year-end field trips, library programs and the subsidization of school planners and yearbooks.
“It’s a great fundraiser for the school,” she explained. “The money goes back to the students through activities and supplies. A lot of the kids wouldn’t be able to afford some things without the fundraising.”
Park Manor has been running this event for 10 years and the dedication of staff, students and volunteers has made the school one of the top three schools in the country in terms of fundraising in this fashion.
“This is the big event at our school that really gets the kids motivated,” said Soehner. “They work hard to earn those sales so they deserve the prizes for their efforts.”
Volunteers, including Soehner, who at times throughout her association with the program did not even have a child enrolled in the school, begin planning for this event in the summer.
“It’s a huge campaign.”
The team says that the time spent planning is well worthwhile, they know that they are selling a good product and that both the students and the people buying magazines are getting a good deal. There are more than 600 magazines to choose from and they are being offered at a lower price than can be found on newsstands. Canadian Living magazine for example, costs only $29 if purchased through the fundraising drive, in comparison to the $47.88 price if bought on newsstands.
The magazine drive began this past week and will run until Oct. 13. More information about the fundraiser is available from the school. Subscriptions can be purchased from Park Manor students.
