Students helping students

The DSU food bank is run completely by students. (Danny Abriel Photo)

Dalhousie 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. 

November 19 and 20 saw the continuation of what has become an important fall tradition at Dalhousie, the winter clothing giveaway. ““We’ve being doing it for a few years now, about five or so, and it’s grown every year,” 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. “We 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.”

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.  “Students who are facing financial challenges or maybe international students who aren’t used to a colder climate and didn’t bring winter wear are encouraged to take advantage of the program,” she says.

Students down to their last Kraft dinner at this time of the year might also want to know about the Dalhousie Student Union’s food bank.

“We’ve completed about $1,500 in renovations on the food bank and we’re open for business,” 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. “We’ve received a $500 anonymous donation, plus a big contribution from Molson just came through so we’re obviously very appreciative of that.”

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. “We’re doing great work, but we’re always looking for more volunteers,” he says. “This is a very important initiative for Dalhousie students and we obviously want to include as many people as possible.”

Mark Hobbs can be reached via email at dsuvpi@dal.ca.