Over 270 McGill athletes participate in fourth annual holiday food drive
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MONTREAL - More than 270 student-athletes from Ï㽶ÊÓƵ spent their last free day before focusing on December exams collecting non-perishable food donations for the Sun Youth Community Centre, Dec. 3.
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An annual initiative of the McGill Varsity Council, a group that represents all varsity athletes on campus, this year's event was organized by swim team captain Leanne Roach , a psychology senior from Riverview, N.B., who serves as the council's VP Community Outreach.
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It proved to be the Varsity Council's most successful food drive since it was initiated in 2008 as athletes from the University's 28 varsity teams went door-to-door and collected over seven large recycling bins full of canned and dry goods from the Montreal community surrounding the McGill Sports Centre, namely the student ghetto area and plateau region, bordered by University street, Pine Ave., St. Urbain, Duluth, Coloniale and Prince Arthur.
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"Being an athlete at McGill is much more than just competing in a sport and this is one of the more commendable efforts that we can do," said Gideon Balloch, president of the men's rugby team and a fifth-year mechanical engineering senior from Beijing. "It's a great opportunity to get this message out and contribute to the Montreal community."
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Members of the McGill community can help by dropping off food and clothing items for the remainder of the week at the McGill Sports Centre, 475 Pine Avenue West. Collection bins are located outside the cafeteria and behind the security desk at the main entrance to the Currie gymnasium.
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The Sun Youth Organization has grown into a comprehensive community centre that not only promotes activities - it also provides resources in times of need. A number of McGill athletes serve as mentors or tutors for the children enrolled in Sun Youth's programs. They also volunteer their time to help sort donations and hand out items to the needy.
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SOURCE:
Earl Zukerman
McGill Athletics & Recreation
514-398-7012
m.athletics.mcgill.ca (mobile website)
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