Role Title: PR / Communications Student volunteer (Media Outreach) - MyEthnicRentals

Role Title:  PR / Communications Student volunteer (Media Outreach) 

About Us

At MER, we’re more than just a rental service, we’re storytellers of culture, tradition, and style. Through our thoughtfully curated premium South Asian fashion collections, we power circular fashion by extending the life of each piece and keeping it out of landfills. Our mission is to promote sustainability while championing inclusivity by helping customers of all backgrounds and body types create memorable experiences through ethnic fashion.

Work Type and Compensation: Unpaid Part -Time (10-15 Hours / Week)
Work Mode: Onsite (Oshawa)
Work Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

The Role

MyEthnicRentals is seeking a PR/Communications student volunteer to help us amplify our mission by pitching thoughtful, timely story ideas to local and national media. As a volunteer PR Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing our brand visibility, building media relationships, and engaging with our audience through compelling storytelling.

What You’ll Gain

- Opportunities for further learning and development.
        - Real-world media pitching and relationship building
        - Turning a brand mission into newsworthy story angles
        - PR workflow: outreach → follow-up → booking → prep materials
        - Networking Opportunities
- Earn a Certificate of Completion after 4-6 months, outlining key competencies gained 
  during your volunteering journey
- Earn a Reference Letter as well as a LinkedIn Recommendation

What You Will Do:
- Research + build media lists (TV/radio segments, digital publications, community outlets, 
  lifestyle editors, sustainability writers)
- Pitch story ideas tied to MER’s mission, including:
- Sustainability + circular fashion (renting vs. buying, reducing textile waste)
- Cultural inclusion and “how to dress for South Asian weddings” guidance for broader 
   audiences
- Founder story + women-led entrepreneurship
- Seasonal cultural moments and community events
- Draft outreach materials: pitch emails, short talking points, segment angles, and follow-ups
- Track outreach in a simple PR tracker (contacts, dates, responses, next steps)
- Support press opportunities: coordinate requested details (photos, brand notes, quotes, 
  availability)

Required Qualifications and Skills

- Currently acquiring a diploma or a degree in Public Relations - Corporate 
   Communications, Marketing - Digital Engagement Strategy, Business Administration - 
   Marketing, or a related field
- Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with clients, media, and stakeholders
- Solid organizational and time management skills with an ability to multitask and manage 
  multiple PR campaigns simultaneously
- Effective problem solving skills to maintain brand reputation
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Passion for ethnic fashion, sustainability, and cultural diversity

Application Instructions

Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@myethnicrentals.com. Candidates who have been selected for the interview phase will be contacted by email with further instructions. 

MyEthnicRentals is an equal opportunity employer that prioritizes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in their hiring practices.