Volunteers from throughout the College and surrounding community helped to make the Empty Bowls event, in support of local food banks, a resounding success. The event is a partnership between the Quinte Region Food Share Shelter (a local organization of nine area food banks) and the Loyalist College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). College Chef John Schneeberger, Culinary students and Dinkels restaurant prepared the soups, and a beautiful selection of handcrafted bowls was generously donated by the College’s Continuing Education pottery classes.
Jean and Ken Capstick
Jean Capstick, a volunteer at the local Food Bank, was pleased with the number of young people involved in the day’s activities. “It’s very encouraging to see so many Loyalist students participating – not just today but as volunteers at the Food Bank also. It’s never too soon to become involved and help out. It creates awareness that there is a need within the community and that there are ways that everyone can make a positive difference.”
Social Service Worker students Laura Soper (right) and Sonya Hwang
Social Service Worker students Laura Soper and Sonya Hwang helped serve the guests and Laura described their motivation for being a part of the day – “It’s important to us that we help to strengthen our community – to do that, we need to offer our assistance whenever we can.”
David Pickett and Jean Ellis, second-year Business Administration students and SIFE members
David Pickett and Jean Ellis are second-year Business Administration students and members of the Loyalist SIFE organization. “In addition to the Loyalist students, there are also a number of high school students who have volunteered their time,” said David. “I hope that this is a positive experience for everyone and that these individuals will continue to volunteer in the future. Today reinforces the fact that activities such as this can improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.”
Loyalist Student Volunteers and President Maureen Piercy
Susanne Quinlan, Director of Operations at the Gleaners Food Bank and Loyalist President Maureen Piercy