For the Kale and For the Cause
[From Left, Nikita Billy, Sarah Ojamäe, Tyler Reaume, Kanav Sharma, Marc Dodsworth, Nick Wattie]
On Thursday December 3rd, Centennial College hosted a pop-up market to raise money for Action Against Hunger. The little event provided sustainably produced food and handcrafted gifts to its shoppers. But the group of students truly went above and beyond: they sourced a raffle and silent auction, and provided gift-wrapping, a photo booth, and even a piñata for the kids.
Aside from having a good time planning and hosting the event, the organizers learned a lot. “We take the availability of sustainable food for granted in Canada,” says Sarah Ojamäe. “We thought the task would make us more aware of our privilege, deepen our empathy and strengthen our resolve to make a difference — and it has.”
Most impressive was the amount of donations received for raffle prizes and goods for sale, with a last minute donation of 200 assorted baked goods coming from Serano Bakery. The Toronto Zoo, Body Shop, Lush, and Cineplex were among the raffle prizes offered at the event. The CFL even made the very generous offer of a signed football with the signatures of the entire team. Taylor Guitard performed a few acoustic songs, opening with a captivating cover of Bob Dylan. She had her own unique style, with vocal stylings similar to The Tallest Man on Earth.
The booths were appropriate for a December market, with pop-up shops by Louisa LaBarbera Jewellery, Slick Lord Accessories, Doda Leather and Clover Roads Farm*. If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping and missed the event, these shops are worth checking out.
The hard work done by the hosts was truly worth it. Nikita Billy said she was “very happy with the final outcome. And we raised a good amount of money for Action Against Hunger.”
It’s not too late to donate to the cause. Click here to make a change this holiday season.
*Clover Roads Farm can be found every Monday at Sorauren Farmers’ Market.
Photography by Deanna Norlock
Banner courtesy of Beyond the Farm
Deanna is an online managing editor for onthedanforth.ca and a designer for On the Danforth summer edition. When she’s not over-organizing her life, she’s probably watching Survivor in a onesie. You can creep her Instagram here.
