Brighteningour communities: Reducing thefinancialimpactof Covid-19onstudents
With a changing learning environment, shrinking work opportunities, and demanding academic schedules, students who face food and financial insecurity have an increased risk of dropping out of college or experiencing a decline in physical and mental health.
This fall, donors and supporters helped the Lang ara college foundation, Financial Aid, and student Services departments launch a back-to-school ham per program to address the additional financial challenges students faced. Hampers were put together based on student requests and needs, and included backpacks, school supplies, umbrellas, and gift cards for groceries and clothing. We dispersed $40,000 worth of items to 279 students and their families.
Announced earlier in the summer, the hamper program provided support for Langara students who experienced financial hardship caused by the pandemic. With many students losing summer jobs, the timing of the program was critical to preventing students from falling behind at the beginning of the academic year.
Organizers of the hamper program have received heartfelt feedback from students:
“This year has been an absolute roller coaster of changes in my personal and academic life. With everything going on... i just wanted to let you know from the bottom of my heart how much I appreciate this gift,” said Nicki, a student.
“Given the ongoing pandemic and the new normal, I know that a lot of students are struggling financially including myself. To everyone who made this possible, I hope that the same kindness and generosity will be given to you ,” said another student named Anne.
“Given the ongoing pandemic and the new normal, I know that a lot of students are struggling financially including myself. To everyone who made this possible, I hope that the same kindness and generosity will be given to you.”
The hamper program was able to help some of Langara’s most vulnerable, including post-care students and single parents, and addressed the new reality that an increasing number of students need support rightnow. We’re thankful to our community for relieving some our students’ financial burden so they can focus on their education and academic career.
While this was the first back-to-school program of its kind for the College, Langara’s holiday hamper is in its 25th year and has supported over 500 students. Visit the Langara College Foundation online to find out how you can help.
Learn more at langara.ca/foundation.