Students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members collected canned goods and raised
funds for local food pantries
(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON- February 15, 2023): This past Saturday, a group of enthusiastic volunteers ‘took the plunge’ to fight food insecurity in Sault Ste. Marie as part of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival Polar Bear Swim ‘Hunger Freeze’ food drive.
The event, organized by Algoma University, saw more than 1317 canned food items and over $3600 in cash donations collected. This significant donation would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the Sault Ste. Marie community and local business partners. Over twenty participants braved the icy waters, including Ward 1 and 2 City Councillors Luke Dufour and Sonny Spina.
“It was a great day to jump in the water for an important cause with great friends at Algoma University, Bon Soo and The City of Sault Ste. Marie,” shared Ward 1 City Councillor Sonny Spina. “Thank you to everyone that came out and supported the Hunger Freeze to fight food insecurity in our community! A big shout out to all the local businesses who stepped up to collect donations, make donations, and help those in need – I can’t wait for next year!”
“We are thrilled that we have been able to raise such an incredible amount to support those in need in our community,” shared Student Life Manager Rachel Rankin. “Sault Ste. Marie really stepped up and helped us to lay the foundation for a great annual event and we are so grateful and excited to start planning for next February!”
Algoma University was proud to support the 60th anniversary of the Bon Soo Winter Carnival and looks forward to next year! To view a full album of the Hunger Freeze images, click here. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, spread the word and showed up to support local food pantries and Bon Soo. Together, we CAN make a difference in our community.
List of community partners:
- Bon Soo
- City SSM
- Algoma University Alumni
- AUSU
- Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
- The Breakfast Pig
- Giordano Fades
- Interfor
- Metro Northern Ave
- Prouse Motors
- GLC
- St. Mary’s French Immersion
- City Councillors Luke Dufour and Sonny Spina
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