Lots to learn and lots of prizes to be won

WELLINGTON – Sept. 27, 2016 – Again this year, a whole series of events are being organized Oct. 15-22 in the Summerside and Evangeline regions to celebrate Co-op and Small Business Week. The week will feature a host of learning and sharing events for entrepreneurs and co-operators as well as numerous opportunities for members of the public to win prizes of all kinds.

Several partners from the Island’s Acadian community, all involved in the co-op and economic development sectors, have joined forces to coordinate and sponsor these activities.

“We’re hoping people will take full advantage of these numerous events that we’ve organized especially for them,” says Raymond J. Arsenault, coordinator of the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of all organizers.

Oct. 11-21 – FOOD DRIVE FOR NON-PERISHABLE GOODS for the Summerside Salvation Army Food Bank. Everyone is invited to drop off their contributions either at the Evangeline-Central Credit Union or at the Wellington Co-op. Contributors’ names will be entered in a draw for a $100 Co-op gift card. Or, children can bring family contributions to Evangeline School, where the class that brings in the most food wins a $100 cash prize.

Saturday, Oct. 15 – BENEFIT CASINO NIGHT at Wellington Royal Canadian Legion to raise funds for Summerside Salvation Army Food Bank at 8 p.m. Admission by cash donation. Participants will receive $2,500 in play money. At the end of the evening, they’ll be able to buy lottery tickets for more than $4,300 worth of prizes. When shopping at various participating merchants in Summerside and Wellington on certain days, members of the community will receive $1,000 in “Casino Bucks” to spend at the casino. Various contests for “Casino Bucks” prizes will also be organized via www.facebook.com/rdeeipe over the next few days. The Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI, RDÉE Prince Edward Island, the Wellington Rural Action Centre, The Co-operators (Mike Bradley Insurance Services), Wellington Co-op, Evangeline-Central Credit Union, the Wellington Royal Canadian Legion and the Wellington Fire Department are jointly coordinating this event.

Tuesday, Oct. 18 – ENTREPRENEURS’ AND CO-OPERATORS’ BREAKFAST with guest speaker Sébastien Richard, speaking about “5 Simple Steps For Becoming a Better Business Leader”, in French, at 8 a.m. at Centre Belle-Alliance in Summerside. During this free event, which will provide participants with a delicious complete breakfast, the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI will launch its entrepreneurial awards competition. RDÉE PEI will launch its Dragons’ Contest. Draws for door prizes will be held. This event is sponsored by CBDC Central PEI and is presented in collaboration with Wellington Rural Action Centre. It is also part of La Belle Alliance’s Pumpkin Festival. Registration is required before Oct. 11. To register, contact Velma Robichaud at (902) 854-3439, Ext. 228, or at velma@rdeeipe.org.

Thursday, Oct. 20 – CREDIT UNION DAY at Evangeline-Central Credit Union’s three branches in Wellington, Tyne Valley and O’Leary. Draws, prizes and snacks throughout the day. Good opportunity to drop off non-perishable foods for food drive.

Thursday, Oct. 20 – ACADIAN WORDS BINGO for Evangeline area seniors at Le Chez-nous Community Care Centre from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Suggested admission price: non-perishable food for Summerside Salvation Army Food Bank. This event is presented by Le Chez-nous in collaboration with Evangeline School-Community Centre, Le Bel Âge Housing Co-op, Evangeline-Central Credit Union, The Co-operators, Wellington Co-op and le Conseil de développement coopératif.

Thursday, Oct. 20 – CO-OPERATORS’ SUPPER for representatives of all local co-ops, who will be invited to share their recent success stories and upcoming projects. During this informal supper, to be held in the Evangeline School cafeteria, the Co-op Order of Merit Award will be presented to a deserving person. (Participation by invitation only.)

Saturday, Oct. 22 – WELLINGTON CO-OP MEMBERS’ NIGHT. Members who shop at the Co-op throughout the week will get a ballot. At the end of the week, 50 ballots will be drawn. The owners of these ballots will be invited to the Co-op Saturday night at 6 p.m. There, they’ll get a chance to win various prizes, gift certificates or the grand prize of a shopping cart full of groceries, worth $500!

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CUTLINE: Raymond J. Arsenault, coordinator of the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI, and Diane McInnis, marketing and communications officer with Evangeline-Central Credit Union, review final details for Co-op and Small Business Week events, slated for Oct. 15-22.

 

For more information:
Raymond J. Arsenault
Coordinator
Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI
(902) 854-3439, Ext. 231
raymond@rdeeipe.org