CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Student-led creative blitz drives change for Canadian charities

Conestoga Graphic Design and Public Relations students teamed up with industry volunteers to create free marketing tools for eight non-profits across Canada during this year's Creative Day for Social Good (CD4SG).

Now in its 15th year, CD4SG has supported 191 charities with over $2 million in creative assets showcasing the power of design for good.

The two-day creative blitz was hosted by Capacity Canada in partnership with the college, Intertek Catalyst, HIM&HER, Google, and the local creative community on October 9-10 at Google's offices in downtown Kitchener.

CD4SG is part of the curriculum, providing students with hands-on learning and exposure to industry while providing non-profits with accessible, high-quality design and communications. Leading up to the event, students prepared a creative brief based on the needs and goals of their assigned organization, which then signs off on the proposal.

Student teams worked on their projects until late at night on the first day, before presenting their work to representatives from non-profit organizations and other CD4SG participants on the second day. The teams produced high-quality creative assets, including logos, social media strategies and fundraising campaigns.

"This was my first time attending, and I'd describe it as exciting, a little overwhelming, but a really valuable experience overall. It's been amazing to work with live clients," said Peyton Brideau, Graphic Design student.

"This year's Creative Day for Social Good was a great success, with many impressive ideas developed for the eight participating charities," said Matt Miller of Capacity Canada, a registered charity that partners with organizations across Canada, helping them create meaningful impact in their communities. "The event provides both Conestoga's Graphic Design and Public Relations Writing students with valuable experience working in a professional setting with real clients. Supported by professional art directors and account managers, the students consistently produce work that more than meets industry standards."

Non-profits supported through CD4SG 2025:

• Kinbridge Community Association, Cambridge, Ontario
• Timmins Family Counselling Center, Timmins, Ontario
• Mission Services of Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario
• The Disability Collective, Toronto, Ontario
• WRDC Educational Resource Centre, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Cassie and Friends, Vancouver, British Columbia
• Guelph Humane Society, Guelph, Ontario
• Routes Connecting Communities, Sutton West, Ontario

"Creative Day is so much more than an event," said Paula Barrett, Organizing Committee. "It's a powerful community impact effort that has thrived for 15 years thanks to the collective energy of students, educators, and industry professionals. The energy in the room is palpable, and the impact is real and lasting."

Several students were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the day, including third-year Graphic Design students Saige Tavares, Leandra Kelly, Elias Guzman Guerrero, Curtis Lubberts, Mansi Patel, Michaela Bauman and second-year Graphic Design student Jazi Walsh.

Conestoga's three-year Graphic Design advanced diploma program is recognized as one of the top design programs in Ontario. It employs a project-based learning approach that addresses design, digital content creation, communication, interpersonal, mechanical, technical and enhanced employability skills.

Conestoga's Bachelor of Public Relations degree program was the first to be approved in Ontario. Graduates are equipped with critical thinking skills and the practical experience necessary to manage reputations, responses and relationships on behalf of their organization.