Loyalist College students give back to the community in many ways

During the past year, Loyalist students were in bowling alleys, running relays, pampering clients in spa, washing cars, fine dining at galas and cuddling critters. What did these students have in common? They were contributing their time, energy and talents to give back to the community -- raising funds for a diverse group of organizations and helping to enrich the quality of life in Belleville and beyond.

Loyalist public relations students organized a pet glamour photo day, a fundraiser for Fixed Fur Life.

"The idea was brilliant and attracted an overwhelming number of people and their pets," said Darlene quinsey, president of Fixed Fur Life. "The concept was unique and appealed to many. This was a very mature and dedicated group of students. The event raised a total of $1,983 -- a wonderful day!"

Katie Dudley was one of the students who organized the event and she is now working at the toronto zoo, co-ordinating group events for the marketing and public relations department.

"The fundraising project was a great learning experience for me. I was able to exercise the skills and techniques that I learned from the post-graduate public relations program at Loyalist, as well as have a great time raising money and awareness for a local charity."

Fundraising is part of the public relations curriculum, preparing students in the program to plan and conduct a wide range of activities.

More than $13,500 was raised for local charities during the public relations students' final semester. Organizations that benefited from the students' initiatives were Bridging the Gap, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, world vision canada, The salvation army and The loyalist college Foundation.

Proceeds from the college's 40th anniversary gala when matched by the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS), a government initiative, resulted in $15,000 being raised for the College foundation endowment Fund for student assistance.

Social service worker student Tracy Bush organized faculty and student teams to participate in Bowl for Kids Sake. Together they raised more than $1,500 for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Esthetics students held a spa day at the college and donated the proceeds to the Business and Professional Women of Belleville. Loyalist students held a successful shinerama fundraiser at which a total of $3,600 was raised for cystic fibrosis research and treatment programs.

Students from justice studies programs joined varsity athletes giving their support to The Terry Fox walk and The Heart and Stroke run. Mandi Buma and Amy Hoskin, both varsity volleyball players, donated countless hours to raising funds for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters. During the Christmas season they participated in the Adopt-a-Family initiative, collecting donations and purchasing items for the project. They held raffles for Raptor tickets at college varsity basketball games and donated the proceeds to the association. A toy drive was spearheaded by the athletics department and the toys were given to Rock 107 for distribution with their drive.

Throughout the year, the student government made donations to Gleaners Tricounty Food Network, purchased toys for the Belleville Firefighters Toy Drive and donated $1,000 to the college's United Way campaign.

These are only some of the many ways that Loyalist students are making a difference. Although some may only be in the Belleville area for a year or two, they are nevertheless having a very positive impact enriching the community that we call home.

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Thursday, June 12, 2008 |

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