Meridian Credit Union sponsored $2000.00 to a youth leadership event that is scheduled to take place in April of 2014 at Port Colborne High School.
After returning from the Central Ontario Leadership Seminar in May of 2013, enthused student Austin Stastny went to principal, Nigel Evans, with a proposal that was hard to resist. Austin wants to bring motivational speakers Sunjay Nath, and Blake Fly to the school to speak to students about leadership opportunities.
“When I went to the COLS conference I was mesmerized and by the words spoken by these two gentlemen and I knew instantly that they would be able to leave an impact at Port Colborne High School. I want the students to feel that they can make a difference locally, but even globally if they have the right mind set” said Austin, event coordinator.
In the beginning of June, the Port Colborne-Wainfleet of Commerce was contacted by Austin requesting their help. “If I want this event to take off, I cannot do it by myself,” said Austin.
After countless meetings, phone calls, and emails; executive director of the PCW Chamber, Jackie Jaroslawski, and president Patti Stirling began to work with Austin on a plan on how to raise funds to bring the speakers to the school. Once composing letters and e-mail blasts to members of the PCW Chamber were finished, they were ready to be sent out requesting community help.
During a summer meeting, it was brought to the planning teams attention that Meridian Credit Union had a program called “The Good Neighbour Program.” This program is to assist organizations on a wide variety of topics in which monetary funds are needed. The application was filled out, and within days Midge Butson, branch manager of Meridian, had responded with “Yes” to the request of a $2000.00 sponsor.
With Meridian Credit Union offering their support behind the event and claiming title sponsor, Austin was able to confirm the date for the leadership event for Wednesday, April 30th,, 2014. The event is still being planned as there is a lot of intricate details that need to be examined and sorted through before the event takes place.
To the business community of Port Colborne, youth leadership is always prospering and this event is an extraordinary way to help students start their leadership journeys. Raffle items, and money donations are still being accepted and are greatly appreciated as they would help out with the event tremendously.
If you have any further enquiries, or questions regarding the event feel free to call Jackie Jaroslawski at the PCW Chamber at (905)-834-9765 or e-mail the event coordinator, Austin Stastny at Austin.Stastny2014@hotmail.com.