The official grand opening of the newly renovated Baird dining hall was held on Friday, Oct. 8. The event was co-organized with Chartwell’s, UNB Saint John’s new food service provider and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC).
The event coupled as a fundraiser for the Children’s Wish Foundation, which included a sundae bar and pie-a-person contest, among the contestants Dr. Robert MacKinnon, vice president of UNB Saint John.
“This is an exciting way to kick off the grand opening of our new space,” says Darlene Erb, Food Service Manager for Chartwell’s. “We are especially excited to be partnering with the student council and to be able to fundraise for a charity that is very important to our company.”
The student council also held a draw for a trip for two anywhere CD Tours travels this academic year. First year student, Josh McClintock, won the trip.
In total, just under $400 was raised for the Children’s Wish Foundation.
“It was great to be able to partner with Chartwell’s and be part of raising money for a very worthy charity,” says Jess Buck, vice-president social for the Students’ Representative Council.
“We do lots of fundraisers throughout the school year for a number of charities because we believe in giving back to the community and this was a great example of that.”
Making a difference with a wish in our community
As a national partner of the Children’s Wish Foundation, Chartwell’s is involved all across Canada with raising money to help grant wishes for sick children.
Gerry Beresford, the Director of the Children’s Wish Foundation for the Province of New Brunswick was on hand to assist with the event as well. “It’s great to be able to be part of events like these and I am thankful for everyone who made this happen.”
Erb said that all money raised from the local fundraising initiatives will stay in our community.
“This money will stay right here in Saint John and will grant the wish of a deserving child in our community.”
As for what’s next, Erb says that they will do smaller initiatives throughout the year and welcomes the opportunity to partner with student groups to continue to raise money and the profile of the foundation.
“We are always looking to engage students in any way possible. If they have an idea for ways to raise money for the foundation I would be happy to meet with them and make those ideas come to life.”
Erb said that collection boxes will also be placed around campus at their retail locations for collection during the year.
