Community partner donates to Student Emergency Fund

A new partner organization of King’s, led by a King’s student, has made a generous donation to help students in need. As part of their recent Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors for the Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres unanimously agreed to donate $500 to the King’s Student Emergency Fund.

Brian C. Gibson, Third Year Philosophy and Religious Studies student and President of the Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres says the Club made the decision because they wanted to support youth,  fitting to their organizational values and mandate, as the Club strives to assist the broader community outside of their home in Oakridge.

“The Board of Directors saw no better way to do this than with our partners at King’s. We are committed to working with and assisting not only our partners at King’s, but the students who make the College the positive and optimistic institution as we see today,” says Gibson.

In April 2020, King’s signed a new partnership agreement with the Optimist Club of Oakridge Acres. The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen opportunities for community development in the larger London community, and allow both King’s and the Optimist Club to strive towards the shared goal of creating a stronger community for youth in London.

“King’s is delighted with of the generous gift of the Oakridge Optimists.  The club is well known for its support of youth and these funds will assist King’s students in need.  We are so appreciative,” says Marilyn Mason, Vice-Principal, Enrolment Services and Strategic Partnerships.

The King’s Student Emergency Fund provides financial assistance with:

• food purchases and other essential costs for financially disadvantaged students,
• housing challenges for those stranded far from home and loved ones due to border closures,
• securing an internet connection at home,
• and other financial hardships that have presented themselves due to the health crisis.

Members of the King’s community are encouraged to donate as they are able to the Student Emergency Fund. With your help, we can reach an extended goal of raising an additional $25,000 for the Student Emergency Fund by May 31^st. This will provide much-needed support for 100 more King’s students. Every gift makes a difference. Up to $10,000 in donations to the Student Emergency Fund will be generously matched by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada.