University of Calgary showcases philanthropy

While some students were marking the end of semester at Bermuda Shorts Day, others at the University of Calgary were showing how they are making the world a better place.

Thursday was the first UC Philanthropy Showcase at the campus.

The event was the brainchild of Carol Chu, 21, a University of Calgary communications and sociology graduate.

Chu brought together 25 clubs and organizations at Macewan Hall for the event. They included Roots and Shoots (a campus offshoot of the Jane Goodall Institute), Bike Root (a community bike shop), Campus UNICEF, Eco Club (a clothing swap), Right to Play, Campus Kiva/ University of Calgary Pockets that Care (microfinancing), the YMCA and the Red Cross.

“I thought it would be a good idea to bring it all together and get some public attention for what the students do, aside from parties,” Chu said.

Last year, Chu said, the university applied for Fair Trade certification, got rid of Styrofoam cups and sponsored two students from refugee camps in Africa.

The sponsored students get their flight here and one year of tuition paid by Students’ Union fees.

The Campus Kiva/university of Calgary Pockets that Care program has raised $300 since it was launched in January, said co-presidents Raveena Dhaliwal, 20, and Andrea Chung, 21.

Colleen De Neve, Calgary Herald Lauren Shanahan of Roots and Shoots at the University of Calgary hands Ahmed Shalaby a brochure during a philanthropy fair.