Community

School of Hospitality & Tourism raises $6,398 for women’s shelter

Algonquin College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism launched their much-anticipated holiday fundraiser in support of Cornerstone Housing for Women on Nov. 21, 2023. Their $75 Holiday Starter Kits, which included a non-alcoholic cocktail, appetizer and treats for up to four guests, sold out in a record three days.

The kit featured canapés and cocktails from renowned culinary experts under the guidance of accomplished professionals Cathy Dewar, Manager of Restaurant International, and Tanya Skeates, Algonquin College Chef Instructor.

Today, Dewar and Skeates, alongside President and CEO Claude Brulé, and with the support of many hardworking staff and student volunteers, presented Cornerstone with a cheque for $6,398.15, the result of a meaningful and ultimately successful fundraiser.

Cornerstone Housing for Women representative, Amber, stands with student and staff volunteers as well as the College's President and CEO, holding the donation cheque. Individuals pictured are staggered on the stairs and all culinary staff and students are wearing their Chef whites.

President & CEO, Claude Brulé, fundraiser leads, Chef Tanya Skeates and Cathy Dewar, alongside volunteer staff and students, present donation to Cornerstone Housing for Women Director of Development and Communications, Amber Bramer.

Cornerstone has faced many challenges this year including a fire which rendered one of their units within the residence inhabitable and an increase in food costs that has taken a bite out of the women’s shelter meal program. This donation comes at a pivotal time for Cornerstone — a period in which Cornerstone is relying heavily on community support to continue offering critical programs and services to women and gender-diverse people in need.

Congratulations to our School of Hospitality and Tourism on another successful fundraiser, this year your hard work has helped give the gift of hope, healing and housing!

Didn’t have a chance to purchase a Holiday Starter Kit but still interested in supporting Cornerstone? Use this link to donate today.

Derick Fage speaks at International Day of Persons with Disabilities event

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Derick Fage joined the Algonquin College community to give a compelling and vulnerable talk about his experience living with an invisible disability.

Fage is the host and producer of Daytime Ottawa at Rogers TV and the President of the Canadian Continence Foundation — a cause he has championed since going public with his personal struggle of living with chronic fecal incontinence since birth. Fage’s candid conversation focused on what he’s coined “The Relentless Pursuit of Happiness”, an inspirational chat about how he overcame the mental health challenges, loneliness and shame he’s faced as a result of his disability.

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