The U of M’s food bank held their first fundraiser concert, “Rocking with a Cause,” at the John J. Conklin Theatre on campus on Feb. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The fundraiser featured live music from student performers and community artists, free food, a $500 tuition draw prize and gift baskets valued at $200 each. Tickets were $10 and all profits from the event went toward supporting the U of M food bank.
Anastasiia Bielokolos, an awards officer at financial aid and awards and a supervisor of the U of M food bank, commented on the unprecedented demand for the food bank.
“We have over 600 students a month visiting our services,” said Bielokolos. “This is a really amazing chance for the community to come together, spread awareness and raise more money for our food bank on campus.”
Donations for the fundraiser were accepted by card, cash and non-perishable food items.
Bielokolos considers the food bank’s Instagram page, as well as its ability to showcase student involvement, a major role in connecting the food bank with the university’s community and encouraging others to donate.
The idea for a concert fundraiser was inspired by a colleague and friend of Bielokolos, and was supported by long-term partners of the university, including other sponsors who were fond of the initiative.
Event sponsors included, Aramark, Arts Student Body Council, Desautels faculty of music, the faculty of arts, Long & McQuade, financial aid and awards, University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU), UMSU Centre for Accessibility Resources and Empowerment and the Undergraduate Psychology Students’ Association.
Bielokolos expressed gratitude toward all supporters, stating that “we wouldn’t be able to have this event without our wonderful sponsors.”
The U of M’s food bank is located on both the Fort Garry campus in room 518 UMSU University Centre and at the Bannatyne Campus through online orders.
Full-time and part-time students are eligible to access the food bank services once every four weeks at no cost.
Donations of canned goods, grains, cereal, oatmeal, jams, coffee, tea, deodorant, body wash, soaps, pads and tampons are some of the items being requested by the food bank.
These goods can be donated in person from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Fort Garry campus and from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., to the UMSU Answers Booth on the main floor of the Brodie Centre at the Bannatyne Campus.
Financial donations to the food bank are accepted online, with the option of contributing once or monthly.
For any further questions, contact the U of M food bank at foodbank@umanitoba.ca. For more information, visit umanitoba.ca/financial-aid-and-awards/u-m-food-bank.
