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.
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 campaigns at Dal this giving season.
Dal United Way Campaign 50/50 Raffle (Oct. 16–Dec. 12)
Dalhousie is once again running a 50/50 in support of United Way. Ticket sales run until December 12 at 11 a.m. The winner will take home half of the money collected. Tickets are $5 for 3, $20 for 15 or $50 for 100.
United Way is a donor-funded local impact organization that brings together donors, volunteers, partners, community organizations, and all levels of government to tackle the biggest social issues facing our community.
To participate, you must be a resident of Nova Scotia and staff or faculty of Dalhousie University. Learn more and buy your tickets now.
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Food Drive (Nov. 18–Dec. 9)
Faculty, staff and students across campus are invited to participate in the second annual Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Holiday Food Drive for the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) Food Bank in Halifax.
Cardboard boxes will be visible and accessible in departments across the faculty beginning Monday, November 18 until Monday, December 9.
Stuff-a-Bus! for Feed Nova Scotia
(Nov. 18–Dec. 5)
For the seventeenth 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 between Monday, November 18 and Thursday, December 5. Learn more.
New this year! Cheer on the Dal Tigers women's volleyball team as they take on the Saint Mary's Huskies on November 22 at 7 p.m. and help Feed Nova Scotia. Anyone who brings a food donation to Stuff-a-Bus! will recieve a free popcorn.
Law Student Society Annual Winter Food Drive (Nov. 18–Dec. 5)
Every year the Law Students Society collaborates with the James Dunn Library to put on a holiday drive. Boxes to collect food items will be outside the library between Monday, November 18 and Thursday, December 5. Monetary donations can also be made online.
Association of Marine Biology Students Book Drive (Nov. 18–22)
The Dal Association of Marine Biology Students are hosting a holiday book drive. Drop off your old, used or new books to the fifth floor biology lounge between Monday, November 18 and Wednesday, November 21.
Follow @dalmarinebiology on Instagram for the 'Drive Day' announcement where donations will be available for sale by donation. Leftover books will be donated to the Women for Music Organization.
Faculty of Science Chili / Soup Luncheon (Nov. 26)
The Faculty of Science is holding its annual chili / soup lunch on Tuesday, November 26 from noon until 1:30 p.m. in support of a local family in need during the holidays. Warm up with a bowl of chili or soup, along with a roll and a drink for a minimum donation of $5. All members of the Dal community are invited to stop by.
DSU Holiday Food Drive (Dec. 2–13)
Faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in the DSU Holiday Food Drive. To kick off the drive, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony on Monday, December 2 beginning at 2 p.m. Bins will be in the atrium until Friday, December 13.
The Food Security Project (Dec. 3)
This annual Giving Tuesday campaign continues to connect Dalhousie students with nutritious food when they need it. All proceeds raised go toward stocking shelves at the DSU food bank and AC Food Pantry. Thanks to contribution matching from the J&W Murphy Foundation and a loyal donor alum, gifts will be tripled this year.
A link to fund this project will be added on December 3.
Dal United Way Campaign Hick's Auction (Dec. 13)
Please join us on Friday, December 13 from 2–4 p.m. for a silent auction in support of Dal's United Way Campaign with fantastic prizes. This is an annual event where units donate auction items and the monies raised go to United Way Maritimes. Refreshments are provided.
10th Annual International Student Holiday Dinner (Dec. 19)
The Dalhousie Office of Advancement and International Centre hope to host another 200 students during their cherished celebration on December 19 at the 10th Annual International Student Holiday Dinner. Since 2015, more than 1,600 students, alumni, staff and faculty have come together to share their traditions, holiday spirit, and of course a delicious meal made possible by dedicated generous donors. Fund this project.
Students at last year's international student holiday dinner. (Nick Pearce photo)
To include a Dalhousie organized drive or fundraiser on this list, please email today@dal.ca