It's the Festive Season - a time to be happy and in the joyous mood. But it's not always that way for everyone.
Student athletes, along with coaches and staff, at Toronto's George Brown College decided they would pitch in and try make two Toronto families, both finding this time of the year to be financially challenging, just that much better.
It was the Huskies Holiday party, a chance for students to wind down from the first half of the school year, exams and competition, and turn to some socializing, fun and participate in organized events at the St. James Campus.
And while the attendance was a success, even moreso was the commitment to raising a record amount of funds that will be shared with two families adopted for the Holiday initiative.
More than $2,000 was raised for the Adopt-A-Family project, the third season the program has taken place and under the auspices of the Department of Athletics and Recreation. "Parenting Solutions", the organization helping George Brown, will distribute the gifts, to two families: one from Colombia and the other from Bangladesh.
One of the families adopted for the project consists of two parents, a six-year old elementary school student and a 14-year old in high school. The mother also supports two stepbrothers.
A sampling of comments from the more than 100 people, who attended the event, reflected on it as being more than just a year-end party. Topping the list of teams raising the most money were the 15 members of the Badminton squad.
"Our coaches encouraged us to do what we could to help out families," said Yunji Kim, a student in the Special Events Planning program. "It can be a difficult time of the year for some families. I don't have a part-time job, and I'm an international student with family living half way around the world, so I can see how something like this can have a positive impact and it's great to know that our team will make a difference."
Brandon Goin-Bailey had a similar reaction.
"There are times when you have to put things aside and help out – it's that simple," said Goin-Bailey, who is on the Huskies Men's basketball team. "Going to school and playing basketball are things some people take for granted, but helping others succeed in life is also very important."
Echoing those words was volleyball player Tiana Samuel.
"I am extremely lucky and grateful, "said Samuel, studying Fitness and Health Promotion. "But I know there are many families in tough times and they can use help at this time of year. I'm just glad that my teammates and I can help two families."
Andrew Murrell, an all-star and winner of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association individual baseball title, is in his first year of the Child and Youth Worker Program at George Brown.
"It was for a good cause," said Murrell. "There is a reason - to be able to help others who need the assistance. If people didn't need help, we wouldn't need an event like this."
Melissa Vilar knows all about caring for people as she pursues a career in Nursing.
"It's more than sports, it's getting serious about giving back to the community – and using the opportunity to show our concern, our support and that we care," said the shooting guard on the Huskies Women's basketball squad.
Soccer player Matthias Pizzera said the get-together meant more than just the camaraderie of athletes and students.
"It's good to see that we can come together and show how much we care about others who are less fortunate," said Pizzera, a student Sport and Event Marketing.
While the majority made financial donations, others turned to an assortment of pre-purchased gifts. - DG
