Scout Popcorn Fundraiser Kicks Off In October During Scout Popcorn Month

Scout Popcorn Offsets The Cost Of Scouting And Provides Scholarships For Youth

Popcorn Sales Total More Than $100 Million Since 1989

OTTAWA, Oct. 1, 2015 /CNW/ - October is Scout Popcorn Month, and throughout the month Scouts from across the country will be popping up in their communities to sell Scout Popcorn door-to-door. Since its inception in 1989, the program has generated more than $100 million in sales with 60 per cent of the funds staying in Scouting to support youth adventures throughout the year. In 2014, Scouts sold more than $8.8 million in popcorn with over $5.3 million supporting local Scouting activities. The funds raised also support a post-secondary scholarship program for Scouting youth.

"Canadians' generous support of Scout Popcorn helps ensure Scouting remains affordable for families across Canada, giving more boys and girls the chance to take part in Canada's leading coed youth program " said Andrew Price, Executive Commissioner and CEO of Scouts Canada.

Through the sales of Scouts Popcorn, Scouts gain access to a wealth of opportunities and exciting new adventures. Money raised in 2014 helped Scouting Groups purchase new tents and program supplies, fund community projects and attend jamborees this past summer including the Pacific Jamboree on Vancouver Island, ScotiaJamb in Nova Scotia and the World Jamboree in Japan.

Selling Scout Popcorn teaches Scouts important life and business skills such as marketing, strategy development and financial responsibility, and improves self-esteem and confidence. Scouts can also earn scholarship money to support their post-secondary goals. Youth that sell $2,500 or more of popcorn in a single year have six per cent of their total sales for that year, plus each year following, invested into their own post-secondary scholarship account. Since the scholarship program began in 1995, 1,128 Scouts have enrolled in the scholarship program, amassing a total of $405,000 in scholarship funds.

Supplied by Trail's End, Scout Popcorn includes a variety of popcorn flavours and packaging from popcorn kernels and microwave popcorn to gourmet flavors like caramel corn with almonds, cashews and pecans; cheddar cheese and jalapeno pepper; butter toffee caramel corn, white chocolatey pretzels and more. Products are available with 0g of trans fat and all products are certified Kosher. For the complete list of products visit: scouts.ca/popcorn.

To purchase Scout Popcorn and support a local Scouting group call 1-888-SCOUTS-NOW or visit Scouts.ca/popcorn.

About Scouts Canada
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. Scouts Canada is the country's leading co-ed youth organization, offering programming for children and youth aged 5-26 in multiple languages, reflecting Canada's multicultural landscape and communities. For more information, visit Scouts.ca.

Scouts Canada is a not-for-profit organization (Charitable Registration No.10776 1694 RR0028) and a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

SOURCE Scouts Canada

Media Contacts: Andrea McLoughlin, Holmes PR, 416-628-5609, [email protected]; Justin Zimmerman, Holmes PR, 416-628-5648, [email protected]