Grenfell -
All Sheila Sigouin needs to be able provide Grenfell High Community School with some new, high-tech equipment is a bunch of old soup labels - but that's proving to be harder than it sounds.
Sigouin is trying to kick of the Campbell's Labels for Education Campaign, which enables schools to earn musical instruments, sporting equipment, books and other school-related items by collecting labels from Campbell's products.
The biggest challenge for Sigouin so far has been making people aware that the campaign is even going on.
"It hasn't really gotten off the ground," she said. "People don't know about it. I remember opening a tin recycling bin and I couldn't believe all the labels that were in there. So obviously people just don't know, but I think that they'd want to help. It might take a while for people to know and to really get it started."
The goods that can be earned range from smaller items such as books and basketballs to big-screen TV's, digital cameras, stereo/speaker systems and telescopes to name a few.
"Ultimately we would like to let the kids decide what they would like to save for," Sigouin said.
The labels can be dropped off at the Co-op grocery store and Family Foods, as well as the high school and local churches.
"And we need the whole label," Sigouin said. "At first I thought we just needed the bar code, but that's not the case."
Restaurants, schools and anyone who orders a case of Campbell's products can simply hand over the Universal Product Code (UPC) off the cardboard box that the product comes in.
Although any schools with grades K through 12 are eligible for the program, Sigouin has decided to focus all of her efforts on the high school so that all local kids will eventually benefit.
"It's a good program and I've seen it work in other areas."
Sigouin believes one reason for the low participation so far is some general confusion about the products that actually qualify for the campaign.
"There are a lot of other products that people don't realize are eligible," Sigouin said. "One that stands out is Goldfish Crackers."
It might also be easy to miss the Campbell's label on V8 drinks and Chunky soup, but they also count.
"You can go onto the Campbell's site to see all of the products," Sigouin said.
Those wishing to help out can also view the contest rules and available prizes online.
