Student Food Drive Sets National Record
November 02, 2007 - News Release
University of Guelph students have set a new national record by collecting more than 36,000 pounds of food items for the Guelph Food Bank as part of Meal Exchange's annual "Trick or Eat" event.
About 1,300 students dressed up in costumes Halloween evening and knocked on doors collecting non-perishable food items. The food collected is worth more than $70,000 in donations, and volunteers also raised $1,900 in online donations.
"We couldn't be more proud of University of Guelph students and their efforts," said Leisha Zamecnik, Meal Exchange communications and program manager. "The fact that they repeatedly beat national records never ceases to amaze us. More than anything, it shows the incredible capacity of youth to truly make a difference in their communities."
Volunteers assembled in the University Centre courtyard at 4:30 p.m. and were joined by president Alastair Summerlee and Brenda Whiteside, associate vice-president (student affairs). Prizes were handed out for best costume, scariest costume and best group costume.
U of G students have taken part in the “Trick or Eat” initiative since 2002. They also set a national record last year, collecting more than 30,000 pounds of food.
Meal Exchange is a national student-run organization that aims to engage students from 40 Canadian campuses in solving the problem of hunger in their communities.
For more information about "Trick or Eat". For information on U of G's event contact Jessica Pudwell, promotions and education co-ordinator for the Guelph chapter, at Ext. 58212 or meal@uoguelph.ca.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982.
