On March 28, the Gr. 11 Media Arts students of Sacred Heart were visited by Chris Emanuel, President and CEO of the Central York Chamber of Commerce—and proud Sacred Heart alumnus—along with Leslee Mason, Vice President of Strategy and Communications. The duo met with the students to launch an exciting campaign challenge focused on supporting Canadian businesses, products, and services, especially in light of the ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
The initiative, a collaboration between Sacred Heart and the Central York Chamber of Commerce, asked students to create bold, youth-targeted awareness campaigns using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and other digital applications. The goal was to highlight the importance of buying local and inspire the next generation of Canadian consumers to support domestic producers. This collaboration also exemplifies the Community and Arts partnership central to the school’s Integrated Regional Arts Program (iRAP).
“This project allowed our students to merge creative design with social responsibility,” said Mr. Galang, their Media Arts teacher. “They were asked to think critically about how art and design can influence public awareness and purchasing decisions, while at the same time, supporting the local business community.”
Three outstanding student campaigns were selected and will be showcased at the Chamber’s annual SHIFT Conference on May 15, an upcoming high-profile business event in York Region:
- “Honk Loud” by Eleane P.
- “Hoody Girl” by Natalie B.
- “Local in Your Cart” by Sophia H.
“Wow! The students have done such a great job. Please extend our thanks and how impressed we are with their work.”
– Leslee Mason, Vice President of Strategy and Communications
The project also aligns with a growing national trend. School boards across Canada—including the York Catholic District School Board—have committed to supporting Canadian producers and suppliers in their own procurement efforts. This initiative reinforces the message that buying Canadian isn’t just a consumer choice—it’s a local economic investment.
This initiative also reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to innovation, community development, and fostering the next generation of leaders. By empowering youth through creative expression, the Chamber and Sacred Heart students are helping to shape a future where local support and civic awareness go hand in hand.
The Central York Chamber of Commerce, serving East Gwillimbury and Newmarket, fosters economic vibrancy and inclusive growth. Through initiatives like this, the Chamber continues to redefine leadership by supporting innovation, civic engagement, and meaningful collaboration between business and education.
