An ice cream parlour in Sussex, N.B., is doing its part to help make university more affordable for young people in the area.
Founded in 1998, Sully’s Ice Cream Parlour located in the former Sussex train station has become a fixture in the community.
Each year, Sully's hands out thousands of dollars in bursaries to local students.
Hilary Pearson has worked there for five straight years, and just completed her second year of university. She was awarded a bursary two years ago.
"The bursary program is great because every year they give a bursary to a graduate, and I was the recipient in 2014. And honestly I can say that was a big help toward my first year in university," said Pearson.
The service is provided exclusively to high school and university students who manage the shop and scoop the ice cream.
"Grade 12 is like a pretty stressful year, thinking about next year, so it's definitely been helpful to work here over the summer," said Grade 12 student and employee Delanie Stockford.
The ice cream stand has handed out over $75,000 in bursaries to students in the past 10 years.
What started out as a temporary student venture is now employing a second generation of young people.
“One of my teachers at the high school, he actually worked here, so it's really cool how over the years all the different students who have worked here,” said Delanie.
The students say they're learning a lot while scooping ice cream.
“Not just the business skills, but the interpersonal skills,” said Pearson. “It’s something that you can't help but use in any job that you get."
It’s a concept that’s warmly welcomed in the community, as well.
"I think it's a great idea," said customer Mitch Alexander. “Keep it going. Gives kids something to do in the summertime."
Pearson says she’s just thankful to come back to a summer job.
"It makes such a difference,” she said. “Just every little bit, and working here and having a place to come back to every summer is a blessing in itself."
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Mike Cameron.
