The Odd Job Squad will be helping businesses, organizations and individuals in a variety of ways this summer as it gives children and teens the opportunity to gain essential work skills.
Carissa Zoerb, the youth engagement leader through the Manitoba Youth Job Centre, helps children between the ages of 12 and 16 find casual employment throughout the community in exchange for pocket money and experience.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to get their first work experience and get those essential work skills,” said Zoerb, a summer student with the Manitoba Youth Job Centre.
Though summer has just begun, the crew has already held a flower frenzy, lemonade sale and a barbecue as part of the Trout Festival Main Street Days.
While pocket money is always a favourite reward, Zoerb says the children are paid based on the success of a program.
During a barbecue, for example, profits are shared among those who participated in the sale.
With three jobs already under their belts, the program and children will continue to offer casual employment opportunities throughout the summer.
In July, the children will wash windows, sell a cookbook with recipes they submitted, and hold an iced tea sale.
The cookbook will be a 24-page colour book with recipes submitted from the children as well as other submissions.
The books will be available by presale only, to be picked up in August.
Zoerb, who is working on her education degree
at the University of Saskatchewan, welcomes ideas for the Odd Job Squad from area businesses and organizations.
Ideas for casual employment can be submitted to Zoerb at 204-687-1686 or by email to [email protected]
