When it comes to summer jobs, Caden Stephenson figures he lucked out

Craig Bakay | Aug 01, 2018

As a fundraising arm for Community Living, North Frontenac, The Treasure Trunk can’t really afford much in the way of staff.

With the move to Road 38 south of Sharbot Lake, they’ve become more of a regional operation, drawing from as far south as Harrowsmith and Verona for both donations and customers. But let’s face it, it’s essentially a charity operation.

They do take advantage, however, of whatever programs become available, such as co-op students.

One such co-op student was Caden Stephenson, who came from Granite Ridge.

So, when the KEYS program in Kingston came up with some money for a summer student, they jumped at the chance.

“We don’t have the funds for a summer student,” said Janet Barr, the Treasure Trunk’s director. “But we get a lot busier in the summer with cottagers since moving out here, and we can sure use the help.

“And since we had Caden in co-op, we already had him all trained up.”

“I’ve learned a lot and I’m getting better with my customer service skills,” said Stephenson, who hails from ‘downtown’ Maberly. “I love it, it’s great.

“And, I’m feeling a lot more responsibility now.”

And he does do a lot around there, such as moving furniture (both from the car and from homes), answering the phone, sorting clothing and other store items, garbage and recycling, emptying donation boxes in the hamlets and even taking orders and delivering for The Cardinal Cafe in Sharbot Lake.

“It’s been a busy summer so far,” he said.

Stephenson plans to attend St. Lawrence College in the fall, taking personal health and fitness, culinary arts and general arts & sciences.

He’s not sure where he’d like to end up, but he’s sure the skills he’s picked up at The Treasure Trunk will serve him well.

“I’ve enjoyed working with customers and helping them out,” he said. “I think eventually I’d like to work in a fitness gym.”

The Treasure Trunk is located on Road 38, south of Sharbot Lake, by Seed to Sausage. Its hours are Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 3pm. Photo/Craig Bakay