Image: Student Association members distributing free bagged lunches for students completing labs on campus. Physical distancing and other public health measures were in place at these events.
Since the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Association (SA) of George Brown College has been hard at work developing innovative, impactful ways to support our students – and their commitment to our community hasn’t gone unnoticed.
"Our Student Association has been a strong partner in supporting our students throughout this pandemic,” says Chris McGrath, Vice-President of Student Success. “As a student-led organization they are modelling a level of care and empathy for our community that is admirable and deeply appreciated by all. Having started my own ‘student success career’ in a student association, I know what it takes to lead at a time like this, and I am so proud of our student leaders and the SA team.”
Here are just some of the many ways the SA has supported George Brown students this year.
Providing financial relief
“The pandemic is affecting the lives of students mentally, emotionally and financially,” says Manisha Punjabi, Director of Communications and Internal. She points out that students are facing a broad range of challenges, including job loss, lack of access to technology or quiet study space, mental health concerns and domestic violence. “We saw the necessity and importance of helping students during these unprecedented times.”
Earlier this year, the SA partnered with George Brown College and our Foundation to create the Student COVID-19 Relief Fund, which provides financial support to students experiencing financial hardship. More than $1 million was distributed to George Brown students enrolled in the Winter and Spring/Summer terms, with $350,000 of that funding contributed by the SA. More funds will be made available in the Winter 2021 term, including another $350,000 contribution from the SA.
The SA also launched a $50,000 Equity and Care Emergency Fund to provide dedicated financial support to marginalized, underserved and underrepresented communities. This bursary recognizes how equity-seeking groups – including women, BIPOC, LBGTQ+, international students and students with disabilities – may be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and have less access to support.
Addressing food insecurity
“Food insecurity, or a lack of affordable and healthy food options, has always been an issue that impacts many college students, including those at George Brown,” says Ronnie Cruz, Community Services Coordinator for the Student Nutrition Access Program (SNAP). But this became even more pronounced during the pandemic.
To address this challenge, the SA has distributed approximately $40,000 worth of gift cards to 1,000 full-time students experiencing food insecurity since March. They’ve also been providing free grab-and-go lunches on campus, as well as pre-packaged nutritious food hampers every Thursday. In November, the SA began delivering these food hampers to students who need to self-isolate or have disabilities that restrict their physical mobility.
Online programming
To keep students connected in these stressful and often lonely times, the SA has organized a wide variety of digital programming. From online yoga classes and virtual escape rooms to a BIPOC book group and financial literacy workshops, these events create a sense of support and community while we can’t be together on campus.
Learn more
Of course, these are just a few examples of the important work our Student Association does to support the George Brown community. Learn more by visiting the SA’s website and their COVID-19 Support Programs page.
