A British Columbia investment dealer is promoting its Young Investors Club membership as a unique holiday gift. Odlum Brown Ltd. says the membership is something kids will never outgrow.

“Introducing children to the investment world, and encouraging their participation at an early age, will undoubtedly influence their financial future,” said Ross Sherwood, Odlum Brown president and CEO, in a release. “Through the Young Investors Club, members can gain invaluable knowledge and start saving towards their post-secondary education, first car, first home, or even their own small business.”

The club helps parents, relatives and friends invest in a child’s future, while encouraging children to learn about money management and investments at an early age. Membership includes The Young Investors News, an easy-to-read newsletter that is published three times a year; an annual event, where members receive a behind the scenes tour of a local company; and the Young Stock Pickers Contest, where they build a hypothetical portfolio and learn how to monitor the stock market.

The club offers three accounts to meet the different needs as a child grows. The “Get Growing” program is meant for a child who has an income source or for parents and relatives who wish to put some money away for a child’s future. The “Branching Out” program allows young adults to build their portfolios by investing in their RRSP. The RESP program allows parents to save money for a child’s post-secondary education while taking advantage of the Canada Education Savings Grant.

Parents who sign a child up for club by December 31, 2005 and receive a plush reversible bull/bear puppet, complete with a welcome package including: a member certificate; a letter from Odlum Brown’s president and CEO; and a letter from the club’s mascots, O-Bear and B-Bull.

Established in 1923, Odlum Brown is a B.C. based, full-service investment firm offering professional investment advice, backed by independent objective research and personalized client service. Odlum Brown has offices in Vancouver, Victoria, Courtenay, Campbell River, Chilliwack and Kelowna.