Donations to Food Banks, Charities Set Another Record
July 24, 2008 - Campus Bulletin
University of Guelph students continue to set records in amounts of food and money raised for local charities.
This year they raised more than $108,000 worth of food and donations through the "Trick or Eat" and "Skip a Meal" programs.
The food collection initiatives are part of Meal Exchange, a student-run national charity that aims to engage students from 45 Canadian campuses in alleviating hunger in their communities. The Guelph chapter is managed and operated through the Central Student Association.
U of G students set a national record last year raising $102,000. This year they managed to break that record.
"The University of Guelph continuously astounds us," said Leisha Zamecnik, Meal Exchange program and fundraising director. "They lead the country in donations and number of students engaged."
Under the two-week "Skip a Meal" initiative, students donate cash or meal points from their meal plans to buy wholesale products for 19 Guelph-area food banks, drop-in centres, shelters and neighbourhood groups. U of G students have taken part in the twice-yearly program since 1997.
This year students raised a total of more than $36,000 in cash and food donations.
"Trick or Eat" has students collecting non-perishable food items on Halloween night. This year 1,300 students participated in the event raising more than $72,000. Donations go to the Guelph Food Bank.
"The University of Guelph's success can be attributed to the tremendous support of the Central Student Association, Interhall Council, Hospitality Services, administration and, of course, the students themselves," said Zamecnik. "They all come together to make the Guelph story such a successful one."
