A few more Regina-area families will have something to celebrate over the holiday season, thanks to the efforts of the University of Regina Justice Studies Student Society (JSSS).

Throughout the day yesterday and today, JSSS students are soliciting donations from fellow U of R students to help “Fight Hunger over the Holidays.” The student donations, which are being gathered in classrooms across the University, will then be presented to the Regina Food Bank, helping put much-needed food on the table for less-fortunate Regina families.

The JSSS students had hoped to collect $1,000 for the Regina Food Bank over the course of their two-day campaign. By the end of the first day, however, they had collected just over $1,200, and now expect to raise more than $1,500 to help “Fight Hunger over the Holidays.”

JSSS students will also be holding a community Food Bank drive on Saturday, December 2. That day, they will be going door-to-door in Regina to collect funds and non-perishable food donations for the Food Bank.

The decision to “Fight Hunger over the Holidays” was an easy one to make for the Justice Studies students who will be participating in the fundraising and Food Bank drives, said Colleen Walsh, JSSS President.

“As students, we are all stressed out about finals this time of year, but at the same time, we should remember that there are families in Regina who are stressed out about something even more important – whether or not they’ll have enough to eat during the holidays,” Walsh said. “By collecting student donations yesterday and today and by going door-to-door this Saturday, we hope to raise awareness and at the same time help local families who rely on the Food Bank and its services.”

“The University of Regina has a strong connection to the community, and student-driven initiatives like this serve to strengthen that bond,” University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Hawkins said. “We are proud of the Justice Studies students who are helping ‘Fight Hunger over the Holidays.’ Their work embodies the University’s motto – ‘As one who serves” – and I would like to thank them for their commitment to Regina-area families.”

Members of the public wishing to help the JSSS “Fight Hunger over the Holidays” may drop off funds or non-perishable goods in the Riddell Centre at the U of R between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2. The public may also arrange to make a donation directly to the Regina Food Bank by calling 791-6533.