THUNDER BAY - A long-standing tradition in support of students at Confederation College may have looked a little different this year but the goal is just as important and the community continues to offer as much support as in years past.
On Thursday, Confederation College celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Community Partners’ Evening with a drive through pick up of ‘Have a Hoot’ boxes in support of bursaries and scholarships for students.
“I was so excited. I’ve gone to this event every year for years and I was really sad that they were going to have to cancel it, but when they did this I thought this is awesome because now I can do this at home and it will be really great,” said Bonnie Moore, a fundraising consultant.
The event is usually held in the fall but due to COVID-19 restrictions and the public not being allowed on campus, the event was moved to a drive through.
“It’s important because we raise money for students and we know that regardless of the pandemic that student needs are still great,” said Kathleen Lynch, president of Confederation College. “This is the 25th anniversary of our partnership event so we wanted to have something and something people would remember.”
This year, 155 boxes were given out, which included a charcuterie board prepared by students in the culinary management program and items donated by local producers and vendors.
Vai Bhavi, a student in the culinary management program, helped prepare some of the items in the boxes with her fellow students.
“We all worked together and everything is local and handmade, so we are happy we are supporting local,” she said. “I’m really happy with the people supporting the college. I’m so happy with the people of Thunder Bay and the community. They are always willing to help us in all the ways. I am thankful to all of them.”
Last year, the event raised more than $27,000 and Lynch said they are on par to match that this year. A silent auction that is normally held during the event has been pushed back and the college is planning a virtual auction for next month, adding to the total already raised.
“It’s really great and really heartening,” Lynch said. “And we recruited some new people to this event through the virtual aspect of it. It would be great if we can do it again. It’s great to get together face to face but maybe for some people this is a good way to go and a way they can participate.”
Donors could also purchase bursaries for students and Moore was sure to pitch in to help students with their programs.
“I had the opportunity to buy a bursary, so I bought one in my husband’s name, Jay Eingold, who used to teach at the college, so I thought what a great opportunity to help students and have fun too in your house,” she said.
“I’m so impressed with how creative everyone has been with fundraising and getting people to sign on and I think this is one of the most creative ways I’ve seen in Thunder Bay so far.”
