Varsityhire hooks Calgary homeowners up with cheap labour during economic downturn

The economic downturn has forced many Calgarians to cut back on their monthly expenses and increasedthe competitiveness of the labour market.

That has created a dilemma for two very different demographics: homeowners who can no longer afford to hire professionals to do odd jobs and those desperately seeking summer employment.

Now, a Calgary website is connecting the two parties providing income for students and a smoking deal for homeowners.

"We noticed a need for customers and residents looking for a cost-effective alternative to what's out there," said Paul McCarron, co-founder of Varsityhire.

How it works

Painting a fence, basic landscaping or takingFidoout for walk there are students in this city wiling to do"anything you simply don't want to do," saidMcCarron.

Once a homeownerposts a job on Varsityhire, it's forwarded to a database of studentswho then bid on the work.

"So you actually get to pick the price that you want to pay based on a list of offers that will come to you within 24 hours."

Professional labourers are not allowed to bid on the jobs.

That's because part of theVarsityhire mandateis to give studentsanopportunity to take a bite out of their student debt.

Those looking for work must prove they are in school by showing their student ID or letter of enrolment.

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Flexible hours for students

Student Sarah Weninger signed up after seeing an ad online and has done a number of odd jobsfrom yard work, to moving furniture, washing carsand clipping grass.

She saidflexible scheduling is the best part of the job.

"If you're looking for extra cash on a weekend, you could sign up for a job and make $40 or $80, something like that," she said.

"It's quick and easy cash, I guess, which is nice. It helps out with student loans."

McCarron said he vets all students personally and is currently developing "security protocols" to help students feel more comfortable working at a stranger's home.

For now, he's accompanying students on every work order and has placed 75 jobs since the end of February.