UMSU is once again running its annual Holiday Hamper program, an initiative that provides grocery support to students facing financial hardships during the winter break. Last year, the program helped over 300 students through, according to UMSU president Prabhnoor Singh.
He said the long running event offers students a $150 grocery gift card, allowing them to purchase items they personally need.
“It’s probably one of UMSU’s most impactful initiatives run throughout the year,” Singh said. “Students can create their own holiday hampers and purchase items that they find necessary.”
The program, which has been operating for more than a decade, is funded through community donations and campus partnerships. UMSU has reached student associations, faculties and external partners, while several UMSU-run businesses have also contributed through fundraising promotions.
Degrees is offering six seasonal holiday drinks, with one dollar from each purchase going toward the program, IQ’s is donating one dollar from every boba tea sold and GPA’s is allowing customers to round up to the nearest dollar for a donation to the program.
UMSU also hosted an on-campus event to boost donations. One fundraiser invited students to take photos with Santa Claus and a polar bear mascot, with proceeds directed to the hamper fund.
UMSU partnered with Coca-Cola to host a holiday event at the university. A Coca-Cola truck, along with Santa and the company’s polar bear mascot, offered free photos to students. Singh said this was the first time the partnership included an on-campus event, though Coca-Cola has supported UMSU initiatives in the past.
“Ten cents from each Coca-Cola drink purchased went to the Holiday Hampers,” Singh added. Students who need assistance can apply through the Holiday Hampers website. The program is open to undergraduate students across the Fort Garry, Bannatyne and inner city campuses.
“We recognize that this time can be difficult,” he said. “We just want to make sure that no student feels alone.”
Singh emphasized even small contributions from community members make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.
Singh said he is grateful to students and community members who contributed through purchases, events or donations.
“To those that have contributed,” he said, “I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
UMSU continues to direct students to additional support, including the U of M food bank on the fifth floor of UMSU Centre and the UMSU Hardship Fund, which offers additional financial assistance.
