Students MADD about marketing

Prince Edward Collegiate Grade 11 students are right on the money with their marketing studies – raising awareness and more than $1,100 for MADD Quinte.
When Rob Garden started the class four years ago, he wanted his students to take part in marketing campaigns that focused on issues socially relevant to them.
“In past years, students have taken a look at anti-tobacco campaigns and bullying campaigns, and this year I contacted Doug Norman, president of MADD Quinte and the  response was incredible,” said Garden. “Not only did MADD agree to sponsor the winning group with a cash prize of $500, but they also spoke with the students before they began their campaigns, provided them with resources, and they were a terrific support for the students if they had any questions.  After seeing the professional work that this group of students produced, MADD Quinte has agreed to support the project again next semester and I am thrilled to work with them.”
The PECI students put newly learned skills into practice as they created campaigns for MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to change attitudes and behaviours toward drinking and driving. The goal – to be reached with a presentation, print advertisements and a viral or music video – was to make a difference and change behaviour.
“What I was most impressed with throughout this project was their thoughtfulness and dedication to this issue and problem,” said Garden. “It’s important that society knows that this generation understands the seriousness of drinking and driving and they are dedicated on seeing it stop.”
This focus of this semester’s winning group was “Some Things are Worse Than Death”. Their campaign reminded teens not to drink and drive because if disaster struck, it could steal dreams and goals away from their friends. The team donated its $500 prize to MADD.
Earlier in the semester, students took part in an “Apprentice” style activity modeled after Donald Trump’s television show.  They could sell any combination of food or beverage at a location of their choice during an agreed upon time.  The incentive for the students was that the group with the highest profit could keep their earnings, while every other group pools their profits and donates it to a charity.
“This semester’s class decided to donate all the profits – more than $600 – to MADD,” said Garden. “Over the past three years, my marketing classes have donated more than $6,000 to local charities. I’m proud. The students came through and produced quality campaigns and print ads.”

Below, are five of this semester’s videos from campaigns judged by MADD Quinte president Doug Norman, and treasurer Connor Durkin; public health nurse Kerri Jianopoulos, PEC OPP Const. Kim Guthrie and social marketing expert Rob Plomer. The project will continue with next semester’s marketing students and the best campaign from both semesters will be shared with other high schools in the area.

Some Things Are Worse Than Death
By Quinn Abram, Ricky Gladu, Stacy Williams, Stephen St. Pierre

It’s Your Choice
By Adam Miller, Graham Walt, Ashley Harvey, Mike Gallo

A Mother’s Love Will Never Die
By Mike Farmer, Cody Lefort, Mitchell Spencer, Jodie Wells

Ain’t Nothing to Die For
Rachel Hardon, Zac Brant, Ryan Vangrotheest, Katrina Armstrong

Life Doesn’t Have a Rewind Button
David Williams, Scott McQuaid, Jessica Palacious, Brandon Lacey NOTE: The music for this video is Tears in Heaven, by Eric Clapton, but the audio has been disabled as WMG has not approved use of this sound recording on this video through youtube.