WINNIPEG, MB – There will be some new kids in the stands at the Blue Bomber game tonight. The University of Winnipeg Wesmenand Ovations Food Services are pleased to announce an employment partnership for inner-city youth. The partnership will see members of the Inner City Junior Wesmen programs gain valuable first-time employment experience selling concession items at home games of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Ovations provides concessions and catering to the Winnipeg football club.
The program’s pilot was successful, with 15 young people participating at the season home opener on July 26th. The newly-employed Junior Wesmen are selling drinks, popcorn and treats to fans in the stands. Members of the program gain valuable work experience, earn hourly wages and attain the benefit of adding employment information to their resumes.
“This partnership with Ovations gives our young athletes a leg up on that all-important first job,” said Bob Axworthy, Inner City Junior Wesmen coach. “Work experience gives these kids a meaningful opportunity to gain essential skills and a foothold in the workforce. We are grateful for our partnership with Ovations.”
“We consider this partnership with the Inner City Junior Wesmen to be a win-win,” said Gerry Ellis, General Manager of Ovations Food Services. “This initiative fits with our company’s desire to give back to the community and help tackle the problems of the inner city. The program also provides us with employees that have learned the fundamental traits we are looking for: being on time, working hard, and having respect for others.”
The Inner City Junior Wesmen program now offers opportunities for sports, education and employment — a winning combination that can help enhance the lives of inner-city youth.
Find out more about the Inner City Junior Wesmen at: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/wesmen-inner-city-basketball
MEDIA CONTACT:
Bob Axworthy (204) 489-0720
Gerry Ellis (Ovations) (204) 982-2296
Naniece Ibrahim, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7130, E: n.ibrahim@uwinnipeg.ca
