Local Students Launch Businesses at Christmas Market, Overflowing with Community Spirit
As the holiday season unfolds, local artisan markets present a unique platform for both selling and purchasing handmade products. A group of students at Garden Valley Collegiate (GVC) in Winkler is taking this opportunity to blend classroom education with real-world business practices, fostering community ties through entrepreneurship.
Over the past weekend, the Winkler Christmas Market at New Leaf Garden Centre showcased the innovative spirit of GVC’s Venture Development Class. Olivia Driedger, a student in the program, reflected on the collaborative process her group underwent to launch their very own business. “We all decided on our business partners and then what we were going to be selling, and now we are here during the weekends at the Christmas Market,” she explained.
This initiative allows approximately 11 student groups to rotate attendance at the market, selling an array of products they developed independently. Driedger’s team took pride in selling custom calendars, featuring photos from their high school journey. “Class topics like marketing and pricing helped us design our market stall,” she noted, demonstrating the clear connection between learning and application.
In a commendable act of generosity, Driedger’s group decided to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society, highlighting the importance of community support and compassion. “My grandpa had cancer, and [I] really have a spot in my heart for that,” she shared, echoing a Christian principle of loving one’s neighbor and fostering kindness in the community.
This venture isn’t just about business; it’s a deeply enriching experience. Teacher Rhonda Kezema leads the class, emphasizing the value of community engagement. “One of our goals is to get students into the community,” she explained. By meeting the public and practicing customer service skills, students gain confidence and build relationships that transcend the classroom.
Kezema sees the potential in her students: “When I look at my students, I see budding entrepreneurs.” Their journey is not only morale-boosting but also contributes to a greater understanding of their capabilities as they prepare for the future.
Reflecting on the principles of generosity and service, one might recall the biblical verse, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). This sentiment resonates deeply within the students’ actions as they prioritize giving back to those in need while embarking on their entrepreneurial paths.
As the GVC Venture Development students return to the Winkler Christmas Market next weekend, their story invites us to consider the broader spiritual lessons of community, generosity, and the transformative power of bringing our talents to serve others. In embracing these values, we reinforce a spirit of love and cooperation that can uplift our communities and ourselves.
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