The phrase “We’re all in this together” has come to symbolize the fight against COVID-19. It also represents the spirit of the George Brown College community and our partners who rallied together to support students facing financial distress and food insecurity due to the coronavirus emergency.
We’re sending a big THANK YOU to the more than 200 donors who have contributed to our emergency response campaigns: The Student Association and George Brown College COVID-19 Student Relief Fund and the COVID-19 FoodShare Emergency Good Food Box program.
“Your donations have helped students in need cover rent and other expenses and keep food on the table during this time of financial uncertainty,” George Brown College Foundation President Cindy Gouveia said. “Thank you for supporting our students through this difficult time. We at the George Brown College Foundation are particularly grateful for your generosity because we know you are also affected by COVID-19.”
Among the many generous donations is a $50,000 gift from Dr. Dan Andreae and Patricia Hornsby, presenting sponsors of George Brown’s Mental Health Conference. When this year's event was cancelled due to the pandemic, they agreed to support the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund. CIBC also donated $10,000 to George Brown College’s COVID-19 relief efforts in the form of 200 gift cards worth $50 each to be distributed through the fund.
Other organizations have donated, including the Tommy Douglas Institute at George Brown College, Burgundy Asset Management Ltd., Mawer Investment Management Ltd., and OPSEU Local 556.
And the fund has received strong support from individuals, including many members of the George Brown College community.
Donate to the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund
Short-term financial support for students in need
The COVID-19 Student Relief Fund provides up to $500 in short-term support to students coping with financial, food or housing insecurity income loss due to unemployment, and other unexpected financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April, this funding was distributed to 3,665 students.
This fund was established with a $400,000 emergency investment from the Government of Ontario and contributions from the Student Association of George Brown College (SAGBC), George Brown College and the George Brown College Foundation, bringing the total to $850,000. We’re pleased to report that donations from individuals and organizations pushed the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund over the $1 million mark.
More than 2,000 deliveries of fresh produce
Thank you to donors who have contributed to the FoodShare Good Food Box fund. More than $28,000 has been raised and over 2,000 boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables have been delivered so far to students and other George Brown community members in need.
“We’re still raising funds to ensure our students don’t have to give up their educational and career goals to make ends meet,” Gouveia said. “Every dollar counts, and we appreciate any support you can provide.”
