Scouts are "Popping" Up Across the Country with the Launch of the 2012 Scout Popcorn Program

Since 1989, Scout Popcorn has generated more than $100 million in sales

OTTAWA, Sept. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Scouts Canada is asking Canadians to pop a few more kernels in the name of fundraising. Each year, tens of thousands of Scouts from across the country participate in Scouts Canada's national fundraiser and sell Scout Popcorn to raise money and along the way, learn important life skills. Since its inception in 1989, Scout Popcorn has generated more than $100 million in sales with over sixty percent of the funds supporting local Scouting activities. In 2011, the national campaign achieved $9.4 million in sales.

The Scout Popcorn Program not only helps to pay for things like camping equipment and national and international trips, it also provides young Scouts with many important lessons and life skills. Through the program, youth cultivate valuable business skills such as financial responsibility, marketing strategy development, time management, and in the process, develop confidence and positive self-esteem.

"Selling Scout Popcorn each year gives me a chance to connect with the community and meet new people. It gives me a way to make new friends and hear stories from different people, and that's one of the really enjoyable parts about selling popcorn," said Alex Court, Area Youth Commissioner, Central Escarpment Council, Scouts Canada. "Scout Popcorn has played a huge part in my life, and it has benefited both me and my Scout group immensely."

The Scout Popcorn Program also offers educational opportunities for Scouting youth. Scouts who raise $2,500 or more will see six per cent of their total sales that year, and each year going forward, invested into an account for their post-secondary education expenses. Currently, 733 Scouts are eligible for scholarships upon enrolling in post-secondary education and since the program began in 1996, 74 scholarships have been awarded to Scouts for their post-secondary education expenses.

"The fantastic support of Canadians for the Scout Popcorn Program has greatly enhanced local Scouting programs, and provided Scouts with a wealth of unique opportunities and experiences," said Steve Kent, Chief Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Governors for Scouts Canada. "Scouts Canada is committed to helping youth develop into well-rounded individuals, and through Scout Popcorn we are able to ensure that Scouts develop the skills they need for success."

Customers can also choose to show their support for our Canadian Forces by sending a gift of Scout Popcorn to Canadian Forces bases across Canada and overseas. The 2011 launch of the Canadian Forces program saw $300,000 in Scout Popcorn delivered to Canada's men and women in uniform.

Scouts Canada has partnered with Trail's End to offer a variety of popcorn flavours and packages. Products are available with 0g of trans fat and all products are certified Kosher. For more information on the Scout Popcorn Program and products go to scoutpopcorn.ca.

To view pictures from Scout Popcorn events across the country visit:
http://www.scouts.ca/popcorn/pictures.html

About Scouts Canada
Scouts Canada, the country's leading youth organization, has more than 100,000 members nationwide representing every faith and culture. Scouts Canada groups offer programming in more than 19 languages reflecting Canada's multicultural landscape and communities. Kids in Scouts have fun adventures discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't discover elsewhere. Along the way, they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. For tens of thousands of children and youth across Canada, Scouts is the start of something great. For more information visit scouts.ca

SOURCE: Scouts Canada

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Andrea McLoughlin
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Jesse Lane
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