Province Offers Students Bright Fundraising Alternative

The province is giving Nova Scotians a chance to support community schools and have energy-efficient household products delivered to their door.

Conserve Nova Scotia, the province's energy efficiency agency, launched the It Starts with Me fundraising project today, May 15, at École Grosvenor-Wentworth Park School. Elementary, junior, and senior high school students have the opportunity to sell energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights, light-emitting diode (LED) night lights and low-flow shower heads to raise funds for school events.

"This project sends a very important message to students and to Nova Scotians," said Bill Dooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "Whether it's through selling a CFL or turning off the lights when we're not using them, this project empowers these students with the knowledge and products to help their families and neighbours make energy efficiency a part of their daily lives.”

The It Starts With Me fundraising campaign was a pilot project in two schools last year. Alyson Hillier, principal of Grosvenor-Wentworth, says she wants her students to be aware of their responsibility to the environment and to take an active role in making a difference.

"We are pleased to be involved in promoting and selling these energy-efficient products," said Ms. Hillier. "The fundraising opportunity provides us with funds to support special projects and activities here at the school, including our recently constructed butterfly garden. Our students are learning first-hand that it begins with us."

This week, all schools in the province will receive a bilingual information package. The package includes a DVD with climate change and energy-efficiency information. The video also demonstrates the products, how they are used and the expected savings for consumers. More information on the fundraising project is available at www.conservens.ca/fundraisingidea