F&S gives back to the community

“We want to be a part of—not apart from—our community,” says John Bongers, special constable with Campus Safety.

One way that Facilities & Services builds bonds with local organizations is through annual grassroots food and clothing charity drives. 

“The university community isn’t insular—it is part of an interdependent downtown core which encompasses individuals from all walks of life, including those with heightened needs,” Bongers emphasizes. “We want to work to help meet those needs.” 

Nancy Dempsey, executive assistant to the chief operating officer, shares that the response to the drives from her colleagues has been heart-warming. “We’ve dropped off trunks full of donations to nearby charities.” 

Recent F&S drives have collected winter socks for newcomers to Canada through St. Basil’s Parish of St. Michael’s College, portable snacks for on-the-go parents at Ronald McDonald House Toronto whose children are undergoing medical treatments, and art and school supplies for low-income families.  

Dempsey highlights the importance of showing staff donors the positive impact of their participation.  

“I like to bring members of the team down to the donation drop-off. If you can see it, you want to be part of it,” she says.  

Bongers agrees, adding that charitable drives help with team building. “There’s no single individual spearheading the initiative—it’s a collective project. Organizing drives facilitates communication within and across F&S teams, where we all come together to give back.” 

Food and clothing drives also increase sustainability.  

“Maybe you’re looking in your cupboard and wondering what you’re going to do with three jars of peanut butter. Maybe you’ve got a kid who outgrew a shirt they’ve only worn once. By donating, you reduce food and clothing waste,” says Dempsey.   

With several holidays this April, F&S is holding a food drive to donate to underserved communities.