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When the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, employees in Algonquin College’s School of Hospitality and Tourism suddenly found themselves with an abundance of leftover food. With the Ottawa Campus closed and food service outlets like Savoir Fare shut down, savoury and sweet goods prepared daily by the culinary and baking students were no longer reaching the College community.

College staff took the opportunity to reach out to local community groups in need of donated meals and baked goods.

“I looked into the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre because they’re in our catchment area for the College and they have a number of community programs and services,” says Cathy Dewar, Restaurant Technologist at Restaurant International. “They were thrilled because they had seen an increase in the need for food donations.”

The Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (PQCHC) supports its local community through health, senior, youth, family and employment services, as well as through its five Community Houses. The Community Houses serve residents in Ottawa Community Housing communities through services like homework clubs, art programs, community kitchens, and three food banks.

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In early January, a campus nurse noticed a student walking across the Pembroke campus with very red ears; early signs of frostbite. She reached out to Ellen Gallant, Recruitment and Financial Aid Officer in the Community and Student Affairs Department in Pembroke, who quickly jumped into action.

“We realized our international students did not have clothes that were warm enough for the local cold weather, so we reached out to our local community asking for donations of warm clothes,” said Gallant. “We have had a great response. Students, staff and community members have donated jackets, socks, scarves, hats, gloves, mitts and snow pants. People have even donated knitted sweaters and other handmade items.”

Gallant set up a rack in the Student Commons with a “Take What You Need” sign. To date, she estimates at least 30 students from China and India have been outfitted with proper cold-weather gear. She believes the College has received over $3,000 in donations. “I actually had someone order socks from Amazon sent to me at the College as a donation. It’s been really rewarding.”

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The team at Algonquin College Residence welcomed back students last week for the 2022 Winter Term.

Residence staff just under 200 students move into a 1000-person residence this January, remarkably high number in part due to a growing waitlist as students delayed their move-in from last fall. To connect with new student residents and share on-campus resources information, the Residence Life team held a welcome ceremony before AC Day 1 – the first for a winter semester.

“We wanted to make sure that we had an opportunity for the students to get to know the Residence Life team, including their RAs and management team,” says Brittanie Walker-Reid, Residence Life Manager. “We also shared opportunities for engaging in the community virtually, whether it’s the college or residence community, in terms of programming and support resources we have available for them.”

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