The StFX community generously turned out this week to Stuff the Bus – providing over $17,500 in financial donations and 1,500 lbs of non-perishable items to help ensure those in need have access to healthy food.
The event, organized on campus by the StFX Advancement and Human Resources departments, was part of Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement all about giving back and helping others. StFX is part of a collaborative campaign involving all universities and colleges across Nova Scotia.
Members of the StFX community turned up to help make the holiday season a bit brighter for others, bringing non-perishable food items to stuff the Xaverian Express parked outside the Saputo Centre on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 with the food donations supporting Kevin’s Corner Food Resource Centre at StFX and the Antigonish Community Food Bank, both member agencies of Feed Nova Scotia. Cash donations were also received for perishable items in support of Kevin’s Corner.
Every dollar raised for Kevin’s Corner was matched by the J. & W. Murphy Foundation, up to $5,000.
“This year, we are seeing increased requests for food assistance. As you know, Hurricane Fiona impacted our small community in a large way. Many students lost food due to power outages, and the effects of that are still being felt. With exams just around the corner, access to food is even more important. We want our students to be able to focus on their studies without worrying about how to supplement their daily meals,” says Julianna Drake, Student Food Resource Centre Coordinator.
Kevin’s Corner is a free, confidential, and accessible food resource centre on campus, which is open to all StFX students. It ensures any student experiencing food insecurity can access healthy food. The centre is named in memory of Kevin Fraser, a former manager with Sodexo Food Services, at StFX. He was a true Xaverian, always ensuring the best for StFX students, with his caring and thoughtful nature.
J. & W. Murphy Foundation provides generous support to critical initiatives such as food insecurity.
“When we first set out to address student food security on Giving Tuesday 2020, we couldn’t have known the extent to which the situation would persist. Collectively, we’ve made a real difference, but the need is still growing,” says a spokesperson for the foundation.
“We are incredibly thankful for their continued support; the impact of their philanthropy will be felt across the campus and throughout our shared community,” says Wendy Langley, StFX Director of Development.
Online donations to support Kevin’s Corner can be made at www.stfx.ca/give
