Decorations, lights and themed treats are popping up around campus in the spirit of the holiday season. So, too, are opportunities to give back by donating to local charities.
There are no shortage of opportunities this year at Dalhousie for people looking to help tackle challenges facing local communities, such as food insecurity, the affordability crisis, and other issues.
Groups across campus have organized an array of different drives and fundraisers that make it easy for Dal community members to be part of the solution.
Below, explore some of the key campaigns underway at Dal this giving season:
The Food Security Project (Nov. 28)
The Food Security Project is back again this Giving Tuesday to connect students with reliable access to good food at a time when it’s badly needed. All Food Security Project proceeds go to stocking shelves at the DSU Food Bank and AC Food Pantry. With thanks to the J & W Murphy Foundation match support, gifts from individuals up to $20,000 will go twice as far again this year. Fund this project.
Dal Bookstore Yard Sale Encore (Nov. 28)
The annual Dal Bookstore Yard Sale was extended this year and now runs from November 22 to December 1. As part of their commitment to giving back to the community, on November 28 they celebrate Giving Tuesday and donate 10% of all online and in-store sales (all locations) to the United Way as part of the Dalhousie-led fundraising initiative. Learn more.
Stuff-a-Bus! for Feed Nova Scotia (Nov. 30)
For the sixteenth year, Dalhousie Athletics & Recreation is partnering with Feed Nova Scotia for their annual Stuff-a-Bus food drive that supports thousands of families throughout the holidays. There will be a blue bucket in the lobby to collect donations. The bus will be coming to pick up the donations on Friday, December 1. Learn more.
Schulich School of Law Annual Winter Food Drive (Dec. 4)
Every year the Law Students Society collaborates with the James Dunn Library to put on a food drive for Feed Nova Scotia during the holiday season. This year, they are doing a hybrief method of collecting donations, both food items and monetary donations. Learn more.
United Way (Dec. 15)
Dalhousie’s annual United Way campaign wraps up on Friday, December 15. Money raised supports tackling social issues and working towards strategic solutions to help those most in need in our local communities. Donations made on our Agricultural Campus will go towards United Way Colchester; Carleton, Sexton and Studley donations are directed to United Way Halifax; and funds raised by Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick will go to United Way Saint John. How to donate.
DSU Holiday Food Drive (Dec. 15)
The Dalhousie Student Union will be holding a Holiday Food Drive, running from November 20-December 15, with all donations going to the DSU Food Bank. The holiday tree in the Atrium of the Student Union Building is serving as the drop off area; donations can be made anytime the building is open.
International Student Holiday Dinner (Dec. 21)
The Dalhousie Office of Advancement and International Centre hope to host another 200 students during their cherished celebration on December 21 at the 9th Annual International Student Holiday Dinner. Since 2015, more than 1,400 students, alumni, staff and faculty have come together to share their traditions, holiday spirit, and of course a delicious meal made possible by dedicated volunteers and generous donors. Fund this project.
Winter Fundraiser
Dalhousie Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians (PLANS) students Kianna Mahmoud and Ariel Provo are coordinating a winter fundraiser collecting lightly used winter accessories like hats, gloves and scarves for elementary and junior high school students in the Halifax area. Items can be dropped off in the wrapped boxes found in the Tupper Foyer, Global Health Office, Collaborative Health Education Building (CHEB), Dalplex, or Student Union Building (SUB).
To include a Dalhousie organized drive or fundraiser on this list, please email today@dal.ca