Confederation College holds their yearly Community Partners Evening ‘Have a Hoot’, again in a virtual format.
The event is a celebration recognizing businesses and individuals that provide support for student bursaries, scholarships, and awards.
Participants were able to enjoy a meal created by the Confederation College’s Culinary Management students, faculty and alumni, each receiving an event bag containing instructions and all the ingredients for an Italian dinner for four. It includes pasta with sauce, salad, dessert, and a bottle of wine.
President of Confederation College Kathleen Lynch explains more about the importance of the event.
“We have great partnerships with industry and community organizations throughout the Northwest, and they come out to support us,” explains Lynch. “A lot of them participate by sponsoring or buying dinners, sponsoring bursaries and scholarships, so the community really comes together to support the students of the college.”
Lynch goes on to say while there are benefits having the event in a virtual format, everyone involved is ready for a return to an in-person gathering.
“While we miss seeing everyone from the college, because it was always very well supported by the community to come in person and see everybody and chat, the community has really rallied around the virtual aspect of this,” says Lynch. “I think for some people they’d like to see us continue a virtual event as well as an in-person event when we can, because not everybody can make it during the evening and this gives them a chance to support us and participate.”
Along with the dinner, there is also a virtual art auction featuring limited edition prints signed by renowned Indigenous artists including Norval Morrisseau and Lloyd Kakepetum. Bidding ends on Monday, October 18th at 1:00 p.m.
Kevin Ammattil is a third-year Dental Hygiene student who served meals the last time the event was held in person. He explains what the day means to him and the impact it has on students.
“It’s so important to be involved in this event,” says Ammattil. “Honestly, students struggle quite a bit and they just don’t show it out. Having the opportunity to get these awards or bursaries, whatever the amount, goes a long way for us. Thank you to everyone that’s involved in this project.”
Last year alone, Confederation College provided nearly $900,000 in student bursaries, scholarships, and awards thanks to help from community partners.