LAMBTON COLLEGE
Campus Clothing Closet and Food Bank Unite Under the Name of The Lion's Heart

A couple of Lambton College initiatives designed to provide support to students in times of need has earned a new name. The campus clothing closet and food bank, both free to students, have merged together under their new name: The Lion's Heart.

The new name took the top vote from nearly 200 entries in a College social media contest. The winning name was submitted by student Cameron Coates, whose creative contribution earned him a $250 tuition reimbursement.

The newly branded space serves two functions: a campus food bank and student clothing closet.

The food bank is available on campus and supported by the Inn of The Good Shepherd, with additional contributions coming from staff and faculty, as well as college-wide food drives and fundraisers.

The clothing closet, which launched last year, provides students with gently-used professional clothing for classroom presentations and workplace interviews. All the clothing is received via donation as well.

The Lion's Heart functions under the umbrella of the Centre for Social Justice. Established in 2013, the Centre aims to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusivity on campus and in the community.

"Our Centre for Social Justice is led by a dedicated faculty team who is committed to making The Lion's Heart a space that respects individual students and their dignity," says Rob Kardas, Vice President, Academic & Student Success, Lambton College. "The reality is that there are students who have the need for some food and clothing support as they move through their time at the College, so if we can simply provide a meal in an emergency, or gently-used professional clothing for an interview, that's what we are here to do."

"We are consistently amazed at the support we receive from the College and local community," says Anna Lakey, Project Lead, Centre for Social Justice. "Student and staff volunteers, help from various College departments, our partnership with the Inn of the Good Shepherd, and donations from in and outside of the college allow us to help students in need be successful. Our shelves and racks are stocked due to the generosity of all those who support this initiative."

The Lion's Heart is located in the College's lower level, Room C0-110, and is currently open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Urgent appointments are also available on request.

Community donations are welcome and all items are distributed to students in need at no cost.

Clothing donations can be put into the bins located on the lower level of the College between the cafeteria and Campus Shop. They can also be dropped off at The Lion's Heart during operating hours.

Food donations are welcomed during the normal operating hours of The Lion's Heart.

Monetary donations can be made by cash, debit, or credit card through Lambton College Foundation located in Room B1-111. Please make cheques payable to the Lambton College Foundation. Receipts will be provided for your charitable donations.

For more information, or to arrange a donation, email socialjustice@lambtoncollege.ca.