Thanks to the kindness and generosity of donors and volunteers, the annual campus Holiday Food Drive was able to raise more than $47,000 to provide assistance to 275 Durham College (DC) and University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) student families, including more than 700 people in total.

Holiday Food Drive co-chairs Kevin Dougherty and Brad MacIsaac were especially grateful to the more than 100 volunteers who joined them on December 20 at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre to pack and deliver hampers.

“The success of the drive would not be possible without the kindness of volunteers,” said Dougherty. “Thank you to everyone who contributed food, money, time and resources to this year’s campaign.”

One recipient also wanted to convey their gratitude and let everyone involved in the campaign and hamper delivery to know how appreciative she is of their efforts:

“When my husband passed away five years ago and I decided to go back to school, I didn’t anticipate how challenging things would be financially for myself and my three children. This coming year I am set to graduate. Your assistance with the wonderful food baskets these past few years has helped us tremendously at a very difficult time of the year and we want you to know how much we appreciate your kindness, contributions and efforts. On behalf of my family to all of you, thank you, happy holidays and a very happy and healthy New Year.”