Thunder Bay – LIVING – In December 2019 a “Welcome Home Gathering” was held in the FWBIA district at The Hub Bazaar with 50 International Students being provided a free meal for the holidays.
This event was hosted by Abu Hena Mustofa Kamal, an International Business Student, Sheena Campbell, Recreational Director with the John Howard Society, and Indigenous representative Mel Legarde.This event was very successful and was attended by 50 international students, Minister Patti Hajdu, MPP Judith-Monteith Farrel, MP Marcus Powlowski and city councillor Kristen Oliver.
On Tuesday, December 29, 2020 a “Welcome Home Dinner Pick Up Edition” for International Students will be held again at The Hub Bazaar from 5pm-6:30 pm.
This event has become more important than ever as invitations to private homes have vanished for these students as local families follow Covid-19 protocols and keep to their own family circles.
The event will see double the meals (100) provided to the students and families, and the menu is a traditional Canadian Holiday Dinner served to go, with dinner pick-up at the Covid Careful Window that was recently installed at The Hub.
Volunteers will be following strict Covid-19 safety protocols to ensure these students have a meal during the holidays and feel appreciated for their positive contributions to our city.
Most exciting that evening is the announcement of a new not-for-profit association created to help international students in financial distress called Assisting International Students Together (ASSIST).
This venture is spearheaded by Silas Young, Lori Paras and Michael Bird in response to the many international students who were unable to meet their tuition this year due to circumstances caused by Covid. More details will be provided that evening.
A poster is attached for the event. All 100 tickets have been spoken for for the dinner. The dinner has been made possible by the kind donations from the FWBIA, enactus, LUSU, The Hub Bazaar, Wild Thyme Catering, Netnewsledger, and the many community members and businesses that have donated door prizes for the students for this event. (draws will be held throughout the evening)
Press are welcome to attend but will not be allowed entry into The Hub Bazaar. We are only allowing the minimum number of volunteers entry to ensure Covid restriction guidelines are adhered to in order to safely give out the meals via the pick up window.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
