Ed-Venture Gift-Ed Sale Brings Holiday Cheer and Hands-On Learning
submitted by Theresa Bingham, Vice-principal, Horizon High School
Horizon’s Ed-Venture program recently turned the Lester B Pearson School Board Office into a festive holiday marketplace for its annual Gift-Ed Sale. Guided by the motto “Exceptional Items created by Exceptional People,” students and staff showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit with a wonderful selection of homemade treats and handcrafted gifts.
The tables were filled with holiday wreaths, jars of jam, hot chocolate bombs, and beautifully designed cards—each item made with care and imagination. Students began preparing back in September to ensure plenty of stock. When the demand exceeded expectations, they happily accepted extra orders and delivered them shortly after the event—a true testament of their dedication and teamwork!
But this event was more than just a sale—it was a hands-on learning experience. Students explored product design, marketing, pricing, and customer service while practicing real-world business and financial skills. Sustainability was a key focus, with all materials sourced from recycled, repurposed, or reclaimed items. Thanks to generous donations of reusable materials from our community, students had the resources to create unique, eco-friendly products.
These contributions help reduce waste while providing participants with diverse resources for innovative projects. Every interaction—from pricing to customer service—was an opportunity to learn real-world skills.
The Gift-Ed Sale raised funds to support future Ed-Venture initiatives, as it also sparked collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of community. It stood as a shining example of how education can be engaging, entrepreneurial, and infused with holiday cheer—one sweet sale at a time!
What’s next? The Gift-Ed team is already planning their Valentine’s Day Sale in February 2026—so stay tuned for more sweet surprises!
