OCNews

The Okanagan College Foundation is encouraging Okanagan College faculty and staff members to get involved in Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30, with each campus hosting specific fundraising drives to benefit students.

“Given the recent events in B.C., we all recognize just how important a strong community and supporting one another is,” says Okanagan College Foundation Executive Director Helen Jackman.

“Giving Tuesday is a celebration of generosity and an opportunity for organizations and individuals to rally for some of their favourite causes, whatever they may be.”

Most of the events on campus will focus on supporting student food banks and holiday hampers. 

Anyone dropping off an item will be entered into a prize draw to win a Holiday Gift Basket, put together by the OC Foundation, with one prize basket per campus. 

Staff are also encouraged to share how they give back by using the hashtag #OCGives.

Juliana Buitenhuis, Manager, Campus Life and Administration, says the request for holiday hampers on the Penticton campus is nearly double compared to last year.

“We know these students are struggling with food insecurity and financial hardships,” says Buitenhuis, adding they’re currently budgeting a $3,000 shortfall in order to fill the students’ requests. 

Vernon Students' Association General Manager Eric Reist says their student food bank is in desperate need of toiletry and personal hygiene items. 

“Cash donations are always welcome as they assist us in supporting students on a monthly basis for the Good Food Box program (each sponsored box costs $20),” adds Reist.

“We will soon be in the process of assembling Christmas hampers for students, so any food items that support providing special meals during that season will be greatly appreciated as well.”

A list of Giving Tuesday activities on each campus is listed below and at okanagan.bc.ca/GivingTuesday:

Giving Tuesday Activities Nov. 30
Penticton 

• Make your own gift wrap, $3 per sheet or 2 for $5, Centre of Excellence atrium – 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Holiday hamper drive, choose an ornament from the tree to support an individual or family, Centre of Excellence – all day
• Drop off gift or grocery gift cards in Library, Ashnola Building – all day

Kelowna – Centre for Learning – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Donations for student food bank
  (Suggested items: Canned fruits and vegetables, personal hygiene items, baby products, grocery gift card)
• Anyone who drops off an item will receive a coffee and cookie
• Coffee and cookie available by donation
• Winter clothing drive

Vernon – Administration Office or VSAOC office (C312A) – all day

• Donations for student food bank
  (Suggested items: personal hygiene items, canned food, cash donations or non-perishable holiday foods)

Salmon Arm – Staff Room (SA115) – all day

• Donations for student food bank and holiday hamper drive