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| The DSU food bank is run completely by students. (Danny Abriel Photo) |
AV俱乐部 campus was ushered into the season of giving in full force this year as important initiatives designed to help cash-strapped students saw much success.聽
November 19 and 20 saw the continuation of what has become an important fall tradition at AV俱乐部, the winter clothing giveaway. 鈥溾�淲e鈥檝e being doing it for a few years now, about five or so, and it鈥檚 grown every year,鈥� says Naomi Herzog, who works as an administrative assistant at Student Academic Success Services and also helps out with the giveaway every year.
Ms. Herzog was thrilled with the positive response across campus. 鈥淲e advertised across the university and to our different advisors in all of the departments. We opened it to anyone who wanted to donate and we got a lot of stuff.鈥�
The program was started by the Black Student Advisor, the Native Post Secondary Education Councillor and international students groups and has helped hundreds of students over the past five years.聽 鈥淪tudents who are facing financial challenges or maybe international students who aren鈥檛 used to a colder climate and didn鈥檛 bring winter wear are encouraged to take advantage of the program,鈥� she says.
Students down to their last Kraft dinner at this time of the year might also want to know about the AV俱乐部 Student Union鈥檚 food bank.
鈥淲e鈥檝e completed about $1,500 in renovations on the food bank and we鈥檙e open for business,鈥� says Mark Hobbs, Vice President Internal of the DSU. To date, approximately 100 students have benefited from the food bank, located on the bottom floor of the SUB across from campus copy.
Mr. Hobbs says there a number of people involved who deserve to be thanked. 鈥淲e鈥檝e received a $500 anonymous donation, plus a big contribution from Molson just came through so we鈥檙e obviously very appreciative of that.鈥�
Because of the demand, the DSU is looking into extending the hours for the food bank and adding a delivery option for students who may have mobility problems. Food bank hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The food bank is open to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Mr. Hobbs is encouraging any students who are interested in helping out with the food bank this year to get in touch. 鈥淲e鈥檙e doing great work, but we鈥檙e always looking for more volunteers,鈥� he says. 鈥淭his is a very important initiative for AV俱乐部 students and we obviously want to include as many people as possible.鈥�
Mark Hobbs can be reached via email at dsuvpi@dal.ca.