KENT builds support for women in trades at NSCC
Promoting support through community
At NSCC Foundation, we see every day how community generosity can reduce barriers to education. In January, KENT Building Supplies and its customers at retail locations across Atlantic Canada came together to support women studying skilled trades at their partner institutions in each province.
KENT hosted its first in-store point-of-sale (POS) fundraising campaign for women in trades, which ran throughout January by adding a donation option at checkout.
With NSCC as the partner institution for Nova Scotia, donations were made at KENT’s 15 retail locations across the province in support of the KENT Building Supplies Women in Trades Bursary at NSCC.
Removing barriers for women in trades
“Kent Building Supplies established the Women in Trades Bursary to remove barriers and open doors for women pursuing careers in skilled trades,” says Connie Rosebush, Senior Manager, Brand & Digital at KENT. “Our partnership with NSCC and other trade schools began in 2022, and we are happy to expand the program this year.”
The bursary at NSCC is open to applicants who self-identify as female and are enrolled in a program within NSCC’s School of Trades and Transportation, and who demonstrate financial need. “KENT values the diversity and fresh ideas women bring to the trades. We encourage women to apply for the bursary, get training, earn credentials, and build successful careers in the industry,” says Connie.
Fundraising champions
“Thanks to our cash associates, we raised $9,678.40 for NSCC, NBCC, CNA, and Holland College,” says Connie, speaking on the success of the first POS campaign. Of that total, $5,581.51 was raised across Nova Scotia to support KENT’s bursary at NSCC, strengthening access for women pursuing in-demand careers in skilled trades.
Behind those totals are the cash associates, who champion the cause one conversation at a time. One of those champions is Majorie MacKenzie, their top fundraiser, who raised $1,286.52 at KENT’s Stellarton location. “It’s always a great feeling when you’re helping out the community,” says Marjorie.
Join KENT in supporting NSCC students
We’re grateful to KENT, its frontline teams and every customer who donated to support NSCC students. Together, we’re helping more women access skills training, complete their studies and build the future of skilled trades in Nova Scotia.
For NSCC Foundation, this kind of partner-led fundraising is impactful. It engages people in their communities and turns an everyday activity into direct support for students.
Join us in supporting NSCC students and learn more about how you can start a fundraiser on behalf of NSCC Foundation.
Recent Stories
- Returning compassion and care: Reign’s rewritten story
- Investing in the future: Aiden Lawrence’s culinary journey
- Student awards honour Black and African Nova Scotian community leaders
- Sponsorship launches student's career from classroom to coast of Brazil
- Honouring Don Bureaux’s legacy of leadership and care