Okanagan College students represent Canada in global event with apple initiative

A group of students from Okanagan College is travelling to San Juan, Puerto Rico this week to represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup 2022, taking place October 30 – November 2.

Annually, the Enactus World Cup unites a global network of over 3,500 leaders for a show of excellence in social innovation, driving progress toward the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Enactus Okanagan is one of 32 competing country teams that will present the impact of their projects for a chance to win the title of global champion. This is the first in-person event the global network has seen in over two years.

“We are so proud to support Okanagan College as they represent Team Canada on the global stage at Enactus World Cup 2022,” said Allyson Hewitt, president and CEO of Enactus Canada, the country’s largest post-secondary experiential learning platform. “Enactus Okanagan is a shining example of the dedication that Enactus students from across the world make to bettering their communities through entrepreneurial action. They are the leaders our world needs.”

Earlier this month, Enactus Okanagan College was named the 2022 Enactus National Champion by a judging panel comprised of top Canadian CEOs for their ability to enable social, environmental, and economic impact through entrepreneurial action.

Okanagan College Enactus team members. (submitted photo/Okanagan College Enactus)

Through their flagship social enterprise, Unusually Good Food Co., the team works with Okanagan farmers to rescue unwanted apples, transforming them into apple chips, which are delivered to local schools, food banks and developing countries to help combat food insecurity. In addition to making apple chips, the team also uses the imperfect apples to produce a high-quality juice with an extended shelf life, creating a new revenue stream.

This year alone, they’ve donated 38,000 servings of apple chips, saving over 35,000 pounds of apples from going to waste. They’re also working with local schools to teach kids about how they can solve social issues in their communities.

To see the Enactus World Cup 2022 itinerary, or stream events live, visit https://enactus.org/worldcup/.

For the most up-to-date information on Team Canada’s journey at the Enactus World Cup 2022, follow Enactus Canada on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.