George Freeman School hosts student market, raises money for charities

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

After having not been able to host an event for the students to show off their work along with raising money for the community for two years, the George Freeman School student market has made its return.

On Jan. 21, grade eight and nine students at George Freeman School showcased and sold products they had developed as business ideas during their entrepreneurship classes throughout the first semester of the school year.

Zane Anderson, who teaches the program at the school, said in addition to the excitement, everyone was doing their best to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

“We’re trying our best this year to follow all the COVID-19 safety regulations and protocols because it’s been a few years since we have hosted a market,” said Anderson.

“All the money goes to local charities that the students have chosen, so after this we are going to do a little bit of analysis and students will donate all the money they have raised.”

Despite the lack of ability to host any in-person events over the past few years, the school has maintained its entrepreneurship classes to give students the opportunity to learn something not often taught at schools.

“It really gets the kids excited about entrepreneurship and coming to school. It’s just different than the prototypical things that people have done in the past in school,” added Anderson.

“They started off with forming a group and then they went through a business concept and with prices, they created a sales pitch and then they actually went out into the community and got sponsorship from local businesses and created their products.”

Anderson made a specific point about thanking the local sponsors who supported the students for, essentially giving the students the funds to make the event happen as opposed to needing to finance themselves.

Products offered at the student market included food, candy, baked goods and apparel, among other things.

The goal between all the students was to raise between $2,000 and $2,500, which would mimic the results of previous years.

“The groups have chosen a charity and at the end, we are going to send thank you letters to our sponsors about the revenue the students have generated, as well as delivering the funds to the local charities.”

“The environment is a little bit different this year than in the past, so we’re just happy to be here trying to raise any money for our local community.”

The entrepreneurship course, according to Anderson, talks about topics such as demographics, financial analysis, profit to profit lost and revenue.