The annual Olds College President's Office Christmas Basket event this past Friday raised a record-breaking $7,210.25, smashing the previous record of $5,904.05.
This year's figure includes a $1,500 donation by Equs, the largest member-owned utility in Canada.
Money raised goes toward the college's student emergency bursary fund, an endowment that is sustained through community and staff donations plus money raised via the Christmas Basket event.
Formed 15 years ago, the fund has raised more than $55,000, primarily through personal contributions from Olds College staff members at the annual silent auction. This year, 37 seven baskets were donated by college staff for the event.
“Sometimes students encounter circumstances out of their control, like a sudden death or illness in the family, medical expenses, unfavourable living conditions and other emergency situations,” Olds College president Tom Thompson says.
“Students may need to take an unexpected flight home, find an immediate alternate living situation, or pay for food or a winter jacket. That is why we established the Student's Emergency Bursary Fund.”
College officials say due to the economic downturn this year, dozens of students have already applied for support from the fund.
“The baskets are made up by college employees. Each department goes together and puts them together, usually with a theme,” says Olds College communications co-ordinator Randy Butler.
“This year we had a number of interesting baskets with themes like Star Wars, filled with toys, video games and movie passes, golf, with golf passes from a number of Central Alberta courses, and some that included food items, toys, handmade crafts, and that sort of thing.”
"Students may need to take an unexpected flight home, find an immediate alternate living situation, or pay for food or a winter jacket. That is why we established the Student's Emergency Bursary Fund." TOM THOMPSON PRESIDENT OLDS COLLEGE
