Dec 16, 2020
Vancouver, BC – Every December, the College community looks to brighten the season for our students. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, over 20 departments across campus came together to raise funds and build personalized hampers for students and their families. These departments raised $11,477.42 which combined with other fundraising efforts to total $49,950. They helped distribute hampers to 215 students, including 22 students with children.
Thanks to the collaborative work between departments, students were able to pick up their hampers up last week along with perishable food items and desserts donated by Nanak Foods and curated boxes built by the Langara Students’ Union. ACML Western Management, Vanity Lab, RBC, Weissach, Vancity, VWR, Daniel Chocolates, and other individuals also contributed to make these hampers truly special for the students.
“I couldn’t bring into words how grateful I am for this enormous generosity. I was so hesitant to apply as I was struggling and have been doing my best to care for me and my son while attending school. As the holidays were arriving, I grew more anxious on how to make it special," said one student recipient. "As soon as this generous hamper arrived, I was in disbelief. It was a whole day of crying happy tears before I realized there were also gift cards. I thank you so much and look forward to the holidays this year. Me and my son will never forget it. I’m sending my most sincere thank yous and pray that everyone stay safe and healthy."
This season’s hamper distribution was the College’s biggest yet. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your amazing support as we expanded this initiative: thank you to the donors, departments, and volunteers who made this possible,” said Moira Gookstetter, Executive Director, Langara College Foundation.
The Holiday Hamper Program began over 25 years ago and was established as a grassroots initiative by Langara’s Financial Aid department. The program has helped over 500 students, with a focus on supporting single-parent families, students with families, and our post-care students. Earlier this year, the hamper program underwent its first big expansion to include a Back to School Hamper. To learn more about the hamper program, please visit: langara.ca/foundation/find-a-project/hamper-program.
About Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 23,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as 'house of teachings', a name given to it by the Musqueam people on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.
Learn more.
Jessica Sanchez
Communications Officer
604.323.5176
jsanchez@langara.ca
