A Way to Give Back: Student Athletes Collect 1650 Items for Local Food Banks

The Fredericton community has always been supportive of the St. Thomas Tommies, so members of the varsity teams at the university wanted to give something back heading into the holiday season.

Fifty student athletes participated in a food drive organized by the STU Student Athlete Council (STUSAC) and collected 1650 items, which were divided between the university food bank and Greener Village Community Food Centre.

“The Christmas season can be a very difficult time for families and individuals that do not have adequate financial support or access to reasonably priced food,” women’s hockey netminder Taylor Cook said. “Many people are in need during this season and hosting the food drive allowed us to help make someone’s Christmas easier and more enjoyable.”

The Tommies canvassed neighborhoods throughout the city using transportation that was donated by Fredericton Nissan and Home Fashions. Cook said the success of the drive is a result of the commitment from the members of STUSAC, the student athletes that volunteered their time, and the generosity of the Fredericton community.

“We hope the food drive will give families and individuals that are less fortunate the opportunity to enjoy the holidays without having to worry or stress about finances to put food on the table,” Cook said.

“The Fredericton community as a whole has given all of our student athletes a lot, and the food drive is a way for us to give back to them.”