Transitional Students “Pop” Hunger Cycle

Students from Selkirk College’s Adult Special Education program at Silver King Campus in Nelson are raising money for hungry students through popcorn sales.

Every Wednesday morning during the school year, the aroma of fresh popcorn floats down the hallways of Selkirk College’s Silver King Campus in Nelson. Using five hot air poppers, real butter and nutritional yeast, Transitional Training Students from the Adult Special Education program make and sell popcorn and donate the proceeds to students in need.

“This ongoing program teaches our students to give back to society,” explains Ray Brock, Transitional Training Instructor. “It also gives them an opportunity to manage money and to produce, sell and advertise a product – essentially the basics for employment training.”

The popcorn is popped, buttered and bagged in the Transitional Training classroom.  The students take shifts selling their product in the main entrance to the cafeteria. Other students and staff of the campus purchase the popcorn for $1.50 a bag. Once the proceeds are collected, food vouchers are purchased from local grocery stores. The distribution of the food vouchers is based on the financial needs of the students.

“The program has helped many students over the years,” says Donor Services Coordinator, Joyce Buckler. “It has received a lot of support from the community, students and Selkirk employees. It is truly a team effort and has had positive benefits for everyone involved.”

For the past five years, the popcorn has been purchased from Save-on Foods for a reduced rate. The popcorn poppers have been donated by the WIN Thrift Shop in Nelson and the butter for the popcorn has been donated by Selkirk retiree, Barb Coombs.

Adult Special Education programs are available to students whose academic, social, emotional and / or cognitive skills and abilities require personal support and assistance. Common outcomes for students in this program are increased independence, employment and community involvement. For more information, visit selkirk.ca/programs/abe/ase.

First published on March 23, 2009