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A Table for All will shed light on Canada’s food scarcity issue through the perspective of workers and clients at the Kemptville food bank. This documentary emphasizes the crucial role of food banks in communities, aiming to raise awareness about food scarcity affecting millions worldwide.

AI Vs Creativity explores the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity. Through real narratives, the documentary examines AI’s evolving complexity and its effects on creative industries, featuring insights from Algonquin College professors and AI professionals.

All Play No Work: A Story of Dan Sexton follows Dan Sexton, a vibrant individual living with disability, challenging stereotypes and celebrating individuality. Through Dan’s story, the film uplifts and supports the broader disability community.

Amanita Muscaria showcases the unifying power of fungi and its ability to bring people together. Directed by Maya Copeland, this heartfelt adventure explores family connections through nature’s incredible fungi.

Beyond The Spotlight offers an exclusive look into the dedication and artistry of the Carleton University Ravens Dance Pak. Audiences will witness the team’s commitment and stunning performances.

Life Without Sound examines the challenges and triumphs of Ben, a deaf young adult, and his family. Follow their journey as they navigate life and explore Ben’s experiences growing up deaf.

Two Souls is an emotional documentary delving into the story of a residential school survivor, “Two Souls,” filmed in Waswanipi, Que., shares the hardships and triumphs of PomPom, offering an educational narrative about Indigenous rights and the resilience of Indigenous individuals.

Miranda Magoo, Artist follows the journey of Canadian artist Miranda Magoo’s past, present and future aspirations within the niche comics world.

On Monday, Dec. 11, Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training (PSFF) professor Cheryl Hardwick received the first-ever Employee Changemaker Award.

The new award is designed as a way for the board to formally acknowledge exceptional employee efforts. It is based on the long-standing Student Changemaker Award; both awards will continue to be featured in future board meetings.

Hardwick was recognized for going above and beyond in her efforts to further student success. Since joining the College in 2014, she has helped to develop several PSFF initiatives, including the Community Risk Reduction Showcase, where PSFF learners instruct the broader community on fire prevention and public safety best practices; the Discovery Day for Young Women Firefighters, which encouraged women to explore the firefighting field; the Metabolic Heat Build Up Exercise, which saw PSFF learners conduct exercises with Paramedic learners; the Life Skills Class and Summer Camp Day for AAADD Learners, which saw PSFF volunteers support the Academic Assistance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities program; and the Firefighter Boot Drive, which raised $2,810.97 for the Algonquin Students’ Association Food Cupboard in 2022.

“Cheryl’s strong commitment to student success goes beyond the classroom,” reads Hardwick’s award application. “She models the importance of giving back to the community and works with the students to encourage action.”

Congratulations, Cheryl!

On Nov. 21, the Ottawa Home Economics Association (OHEA) donated $3,579 to the Algonquin Students’ Association (SA) Food Cupboard.

The donation came from the Fall Pant-a-Thon, an OHEA event that sees volunteers work to hem the uniform pants for learners in the College’s various culinary and baking programs. The event took place from Sept. 5-8 in the lobby of H Building. More than 500 pairs of pants were hemmed, allowing learners a safer and cleaner experience during their kitchen studies. The cost for the hemming of two pairs of uniform pants is included in each learner’s incidental fees, and all proceeds after expenses have been donated to the SA Food Cupboard, a resource that supports learners dealing with food insecurity.

The 2023 Pant-a-Thon — the first such event since 2020 — is the continuation of an initiative that began in 2016. It started after OHEA volunteers working in kitchens noticed that AC culinary students were resorting to improvised methods — like duct tape — to secure their hems and prevent dragging. The volunteers then proposed the Pant-a-Thon idea to College administrators, leading to a multi-year partnership that has benefitted the College’s learners and provided an opportunity for OHEA members to help their local community.

“The partnership with the OHEA gives our students a positive start to their education,” said Cory Haskins, Chair of Culinary Arts. “Students arrive fully prepared for their first class. The donation to the Food Cupboard is a wonderful gift to support AC students.”