StFX students will be out in full force on Saturday, Sept. 7th raising funds for Antigonish Affordable Housing Society as part of Charity Day 2024, a key part of StFX Orientation Week and the X-Fest Experience.
"This day is all about giving back to the community that welcomes us so warmly," says Students' Union president Francisco Chang.
Mr. Chang says before starting Charity Day, the Students' Union used to raise funds for Shinerama, the largest post-secondary fundraiser in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Last year, they decided to focus on a local charity instead and that's how Charity Day was incorporated as part of Orientation Week to allow incoming StFX students to give back to the community. He says the Students' Union wanted to focus on bringing money back to the community.
"Charity Day is about encouraging students to make a difference in their community, that is why the Students' Union decided that Charity Day had to be an integral part of the Orientation (X-Fest) Week experience," he says. "Affordable housing is an issue that affects many communities across Canada, and it has a tremendous impact on rural area like Antigonish. It affects students, it affects town folks, it affects newcomers. The Antigonish Affordable Housing Society has been consistent in their progress and they actively explore new ways to address the ongoing need for affordable housing locally. They have committed to contribute to the development of community housing in Nova Scotia, especially in rural areas of the province and that is why the Students' Union chose them this year."
On September 7th, the incoming class will join together to make a difference in the Antigonish community, setting up stations around town from early morning until afternoon to raise funds for the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society. Students will be located at Walmart, Sobeys, Superstore, Canadian Tire, 5 Cents to 1 Dollar store, Main Street intersection, and at the Antigonish Farmers' Market.
Mr. Chang says the first year students will be led by the pink-shirted Orientation Crew, or O-Crew, enthusiastic upper-year students who will be cheering, dancing, and singing to encourage donations and to say hello to their new community.
TRADITION OF GIVING BACK
"Charity Day is more than just a fundraising event it's a celebration of community spirit and the start of a tradition of giving back."
Elizabeth Yeo, Vice President Students and the chair of the Good Neighbors Working Group, commends the StFX Students' Union for their leadership in organizing the upcoming Charity Day, an initiative that directly addresses affordable housing needs in Antigonish. The Good Neighbors Working Group, which includes representatives from StFX Student Services, Advancement, the StFX Students' Union, as well as community partners such as the Town of Antigonish, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, the RCMP, and the Antigonish Landlord's Association, is dedicated to building strong relationships and addressing local challenges together.
Reflecting on the impact of these efforts, Ms. Yeo shares, "The upcoming Charity Day organized by our Students' Union is a powerful example of StFX students living the Xaverian values of community and responsiveness to the needs of our community through service. Their dedication to addressing the need for affordable housing in our community demonstrates the tremendous positive impact our students have as they embody the spirit of good neighbors. We are incredibly proud of their commitment to making a meaningful difference right here in Antigonish.
"We also appreciate the leadership of our Students' Union as they model these values for our new incoming class, inspiring them to engage in service and community building from the very start of their StFX journey."
Mr. Chang says StFX students are incredibly grateful for the community support and generosity on September 7th as it helps them to make a meaningful impact.
