10 ways Concordians prove they’re generous

Again and again, the Concordia community proves its generosity — especially at this time of year. Here’s a round-up of Concordia-based charitable events that raise funds for causes both on and off campus. The list begins with events that have passed; scroll down to see the ongoing events and causes.

10) Movember

During November, the month that sees men grow soup-strainers to raise money for research into men’s diseases, the combined efforts of Concordians raised $37,875. Of the eight teams registered on the university’s network, the top team was JMOSB of John Molson School of Business, which raised $4,553. Even more impressive was the second-place team from Applied Human Sciences, which raised $1,145 with only 11 members, the highest per-member total in our network.
 

9) Taste of a Good Cause

On November 20, Hospitality Concordia held an event called “Taste of a Good Cause,” which allowed the tasting of the wares of 12 university-approved caterers for a nominal fee. The event raised more than $850 for the Student Emergency and Food Fund.

Read on for other generous donations to the Student Emergency and Food Fund, which provides emergency funds and food vouchers to our students who desperately need it.
 

8) Santa’s Supply Chain

On November 21, Concordia’s Decision Science Student Association (DSSA) held its second Santa Supply Chain. Concordia students and volunteers packaged donations of toys, canned goods and personal hygiene products into decorated boxes to be delivered to the less fortunate. Last year, the DSSA was able to collect 318 boxes. This year, more than 450 boxes were donated to the Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Society of Montreal and Montreal Community Cares through the Brent Pearce Foundation, which helps underprivileged families in the Verdun and Pointe Saint-Charles area.

Check out the photos on the DSSA Facebook page.

THERE’S STILL A CHANCE TO GIVE OR TAKE PART
 

7) 24th annual Libraries’ Christmas Auction

On Thursday, December 5, the Libraries will hold its annual Christmas auction. Crafts, antiques, jewelry, objets d’art and holiday-themed items will be auctioned off to benefit a slew of local organizations:

• Auberge Madeleine
• Can Serve Foundation
• Chez Doris
• Canadian Organization for Development through Education (CODE)
• Concordia University Centre for the Arts in Human Development (CAHD)
• Multi-Faith Chaplaincy
• Financial Aid & Awards
• Dans la Rue
• The Gazette Christmas Fund
• Operation Eyesight Universal
• OXFAM
• Sun Youth
• The Women’s Centre of Montreal.

For questions or to volunteer, contact a one of the committee members: Jang Kwon, Helen Eng, Santina Fazio, Cynthia George, Donna Lefebvre, Annabelle Rouse, Mary Tansey, Karen Guibord, Wendy Knechtel, Elizabeth McDonald, Sharon Morrison and Faye Corbin.

Check out the event Facebook page.

6) Feed the Fund — Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

Until Friday, December 6, the “Tie-a-Ribbon-on-the-Tree” campaign invites passers-by to decorate the Christmas tree in the atrium of the J.W. McConnell Building, in exchange for a donation toward the Student Emergency and Food Fund. Volunteers will be at the table from noon to 2 p.m.

Read on for other generous donations to the Student Emergency and Food Fund, which provides emergency funds and food vouchers to our students who desperately need it.

5) Stingers Holiday Skating Party

Bundle up the kids and pull on your skates at the new Ed Meagher Arena to glide around with Santa Claus, Buzz the Bee and the Stingers hockey teams. Saturday, December 7, is the Stingers Skating Party, where kids can have their faces painted and win raffle prizes. Registration is not required and non-perishable items are accepted at the door. 

Get more event information here.

4) Sun Youth food drive

Maureen McCormick, Michelle Taylor and Madalena Vidal are collecting non-perishable food, as well as cash donations for the purchase of perishable items, for Sun Youth. Should you be happening by their offices in the Faubourg Tower (Room FB-1130), why not bring something along to donate? This week they’re looking specifically for soups, and next week it’s canned meats/meals.

1) Concordia's 2013 Centraide campaign

At the Closing Centraide pasta luncheon on November 29, a number of grand prizes, courtesy of union donations, were raffled off. The winner of the 50-50 draw, Charles Altman, a technology consultant in Advocacy and Support Services, selflessly turned his take of $808 over to the Student Emergency and Food Fund.

The university’s annual Centraide campaign comes to a close Sunday, December 15, so there’s not much time left to help us reach our goal of $190,000. Campaign Chair Bram Freedman explains, “Although what we have raised so far will go a long way in helping the most vulnerable in our community, there’s still time to do even better.” Visit the Centraide web page to make your contribution and to join the ranks of generous Concordians.