Project Darfur builds shelter

By Janeen Yusuf

A permanent structure to house refugees in Darfur will be built thanks to $720 raised by the small, medium, and enterprise management students.

"Project Darfur," a UN-sanctioned refugee program in Sudan is the recipient of the money raised.

The class held a Culinary Extravaganza bake sale with the goal of making $525 to pay for a shelter. Students surpassed their target and helped a community in need because of their commitment to this project.

SME professor Adrienne Armstrong pitched the idea to her students as a practical component for their business plan applied course. Students responded with enthusiasm and extended long hours and dedicated efforts to this worthy cause.

Armstrong is excited about the awareness this sale has brought to the building of a permanent structure in Darfur.

"As part of the small, medium and enterprise management program, students learned about corporate and personal social responsibility. It was important that I create an event that would bridge their knowledge efficiencies and CSR," she said.

SME and international student from New Delhi Siddharth Saran said being involved in finding a shelter in Darfur was a "good cause, and a good way to get the word out and help people. It was a hands-on opportunity and gave us experience in trade shows and advertising."

Transferring their class skills to life skills is what made this project memorable and successful. SME students Zarlasht Hakimi and Dani Giles expressed that this project is something they will use for their portfolio because of the volunteerism and the honourable cause it advocated.

Dany Cherestal and Corey Barker raised over $150 by bringing the bake sale door to door to staff and students. Cherestal said he didn't want to wait for people to come to the sale to support the cause.
"Once people knew money was being raised for a permanent structure in Darfur, people were very generous. SME teaches us how to be involved. This was an opportunity to create a permanent structure for families in Africa," he said.

Wayne McIntyre, director of Student Services, said this has been the best bake sale in his records for the school of business since 1998. Then, the business administration program raised $639 for a trip to New York City.

This fundraiser left a lasting impression with McIntyre.

"The students are unbelievable. They raised money not to benefit themselves but for people in need across the world. This is an act of kindness," he said.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Canada website states "Shelter is one of the most pressing refugee needs. This year, over 10 million people will turn to UNHCR for basic shelter."