Dishing out nearly 4,000 scoops of ice cream this summer has allowed 10 youths to donate nearly $2,000 to Moose Jaw Transition House so it can better support its clients.
The project featured young women from Vanier, Peacock, Central and King George Elementary. Most girls were in Grade 11, while one was in Grade 12 and one was in Grade 8, while only two had prior work experience.
The group included Rose Miko, Ireland Guillaume, Madison Marktanner, Kate Hansen, Joyce Xu, Josie Rogers, Jakson McAuley, Callista McQueen, Mitike Cridland and Mattaya Coupland.
From July 1 to Aug. 26, the entrepreneurs made $14,588 in revenue, had $5,566 in expenses, worked 868 hours, dished out 3,555 scoops, went through 79 five-gallon pails and served over 1,000 customers.
They also received plenty of support from the community, including plants, freezers, lights and counters, along with leadership training and startup funds.
After paying out expenses, the women gave 100 per cent of their profits — over 10 per cent of their gross revenues — to the Transition House (MJTH). This totalled $1,716.13, which five of the students presented as a cheque on Oct. 11 to executive director Jenn Angus at the non-profit’s new office on High Street West.
“That is phenomenal … . You guys did such a good job!” Angus exclaimed before inquiring about what they thought of the project.
The budding businesswomen said it was a good experience, it was fun, they received positive feedback and they enjoyed spending their summer pursuing the initiative. Their most popular flavour was Cecil Caramel Fudge; they ran out of that faster than everything else.
It was also interesting working downtown; Sidewalk Days was busy, while they had to call the police a couple of times throughout the summer because of street people. Due to that concern, they had two to three students working per shift.
“It was stressful sometimes, but for the most part, it was good … ,” said McAuley.
When asked whether they would continue the business next summer, the group laughed and said probably not, before McAuley replied, “Well, it is a lot of work.”
Some of the students also participated in the Chamber of Commerce’s “Chat Cab,” where CEO Rob Clarke picked them up and drove them around while asking them questions about their business and other topics.
The chamber has not yet released that video.
Angus then asked the students how they wanted Transition House to use the money. The ladies replied that they wanted the funds to go to the women in the shelter and to any “little things” — such as toiletries — that could make their day better.
“It’s crazy. When we give them full bottles of shampoo, or brand-new underwear (or new pyjamas), they’re so grateful,” said Tammy McCleary, MJTH’s first co-ordinator.
Angus agreed, noting Transition House could also use the money to take the women swimming, to the movies or to fund birthday parties.
“This is amazing. Thank you, girls, so much,” Angus added. “You did such an amazing thing … . I just appreciate you guys so much.”
