Employees help students buy groceries this Giving Tuesday

Classes. Assignments. Exams. There's enough stress in students' lives without worrying whether they'll have enough to eat.

To offset the stress of food insecurity, Fanshawe College, the Fanshawe Student Union and the Fanshawe Alumni Association are once again teaming up with The Columbia Employee Store to support the Sharing Shop. Funds raised through this campaign will directly support full-time students who are experiencing food insecurity with their grocery needs.

This specific invite does not require proof of organization affiliation, so staff are encouraged to share either their physical or digital passes with family, friends and community.

From Nov. 4 until Nov. 30, 10 per cent of all purchases from the Columbia Employee Store will be donated to the Sharing Shop when using the Fanshawe College Columbia Employee Store invite. Proceeds will go towards purchasing grocery gift cards for students who can then use them to buy groceries and toiletry items.

"Now more than ever, with today's rising costs, having resources such as these are crucial to helping our students succeed during their time at Fanshawe College," said Alycia McComb, Manager of Alumni Relations.

Unfortunately, there's a significant need for the Sharing Shop and the services it provides to students. More than 8,000 students at the College were supported through the Sharing Shop and its associated programs during the 2024-25 academic year.

"Thank you so much for the help, the items in the bag are nutritious and provide excellent staples in our pantry," said a first-year student in the Personal Support Worker program. "The gift card is very helpful, we are able to get some groceries with it, which will help me budget for the coming month a lot better. This help is extremely appreciated, thank you all so much!"

The Fanshawe Alumni Association started fundraising around Giving Tuesday during the Covid pandemic to help raise funds for the area of greatest need. Last year, the Columbia campaign alone raised almost $14,000 for the Sharing Shop. Organizers are hoping to exceed last year's achievement.

Students who are experiencing food insecurity and need assistance can email studentsupport@fanshawec.ca to book an appointment with the Intake and Triage Facilitator on the College's Student Rights and Responsibilities team.