Alumni Branches Are Giving Back This Holiday Season

Whether it is helping feed people in need or giving treats to stressed Queen’s students during exams, Queen’s alumni are giving back this holiday season.

Alumni Branches in Kingston, Calgary and Vancouver all have plans to spread some Christmas cheer in December.

For the second year in a row, the Kingston Branch is hosting Holiday Hugs. Alumni will walk around campus on Dec. 17 giving chocolate to students who are studying for exams.

“It is fun to give back and see the smile on students’ faces. We did Holiday Hugs last year and it was a tremendous success. We look forward to doing it again this year,” says Kingston Branch President Lee Wetherall, Ed'76, MBA'82, noting last year’s event won the QUAA award for Initiative of the Year.

Kingston Branch alumni were specifically mentioned in the recent Report of the Principal’s Commission on Mental Health as a possible source of support for students during particularly stressful times.

“Alumni remember pulling all-nighters and spending hours in the library preparing for exams. Handing out chocolate is a small, simple thing we can do to support students,” says Lee.

The Vancouver Branch is putting a team of alumni together to spend an evening sorting food at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Branch President Allan McGavin, Com’08, Law’12, says it is the first time the Branch has helped out at the food bank and they are hoping to make it an annual tradition.

“People have responded very enthusiastically,” says McGavin. “It's important for the fortunate to give back to the community, because those in need deserve help and we're in a position to provide it.  Even a small amount of support can make a huge difference.” 

The Calgary Branch is hosting a holiday get-together – 'CANS' Hunger Pub Night. Instead of paying an admission fee, alumni are being asked to give back to the Calgary community and bring a canned/non-perishable food item.

"Especially with the economic challenges that have been faced this year, the CAN's Hunger Pub Night is the branches way of thanking Calgary for all of their support throughout the year.  It is important to share what we have to help build an even stronger community here in Calgary", says Calgary branch president Adam Shetler, Sc'08.