In preparation for this fall semester, the Langara College Foundation, in collaboration with Financial Aid and Student Services departments, provided over 270 students with school supplies and financial support for the beginning of the semester. Students continue to face extraordinary financial challenges and increased needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Being able to support our students during these challenging times is a top priority. Seeing students' faces light up when receiving their hampers reminds us of why we do the work we do. We are both humbled and honoured to be a part of their academic success," said Katie McCallum, Development Officer, Langara College Foundation.
Thanks to the collaborative work between departments, the back to school hampers were distributed during the first week of classes. The hampers included essentials such as backpacks, school supplies, and gift cards to retailers to help lessen the financial burden that students face at the start of this school year. The Langara College Foundation was able to distribute over $40,000 with the help of the community and donors.
"We want to extend our gratitude to our donors and to everyone who has helped to make the first-ever back to school hamper project a success. With the support of our community of donors, we were able to help all 278 students who signed up for a hamper, giving them the basics needed for a strong start to the school year," said Moira Gookstetter, Executive Director, Langara College Foundation.
What was originally called 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. The holiday hampers are filled with gifts and household items to help make the holiday season a little brighter. This is the first major expansion and change that the hamper program has undergone, with a focus on helping more students and more often throughout the year.
The next hamper will be taking place for the holidays. Learn more about the hamper program by visiting the Langara College Foundation.
