5 December 2022 News Releases
An annual tradition continues at Huntington University. Earlier this week, thousands of tree lights were switched on to mark the start of the holiday season. Every year, for more than a decade, Huntington University has celebrated the lighting of its 45-foot tall Christmas tree – the tallest lit Christmas tree in Northern Ontario – as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on a local group while raising awareness for an important community organization and the valuable work they do throughout the community.
"I am pleased to announce that for 2021 Huntington University is proud to light the tree, and make a $2,500 donation, in support of the Sudbury Food Bank. I’m also proud to share that our community gift to the Sudbury Food Bank is being matched by the Lougheed Foundation,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick, President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University. “The holiday season can be stressful for those having trouble making ends meet. The Sudbury Food Bank’s mandate is to ensure that every person in the city of Greater Sudbury has enough to eat. This year, Huntington and the Lougheed Foundation are working together to make sure that happens for every local family in need this festive season."
The Sudbury Food Bank is an essential organization serving more than 11,000 people every month. Monies donated are transferred to area food banks in the form of food credits at area food suppliers or used to make bulk discounted purchases from a network of member agencies, guaranteeing that every dollar contributed is directly translated into food on someone’s table.
“When food banks first started, they were intended to be a short-term solution during tough economic times. However, food insecurity remains a big issue for many individuals and families, including students, especially in the face of this ongoing pandemic,” said Geoffrey Lougheed, Past Chair, Sudbury Food Bank. “Huntington University has always recognized the need that exists in our community and has always been a strong supporter of our various campaigns and initiatives. I would like to personally thank the university and its leadership, including Dr. Kevin McCormick, for lighting the tree for the Sudbury Food Bank and in turn ensuring a brighter holiday season for families in our community.”
“Huntington prides itself as a community leader with an obligation to serve the people and families that make up our community,” said Mary-Liz Warwick, Chair of the Huntington University Board of Regents. “We believe that a well nourished community will be a strong community and as such, are extremely pleased to be able to continue this annual Huntington tradition in support of a great community cause. I’d also like to thank the Lougheed Foundation, including Geoffrey Lougheed, for matching our contribution this year and ensuring more people will have access to Sudbury Food Bank services this festive season. The past two years of this ongoing pandemic have not been easy, and many people in Greater Sudbury are struggling. I hope that many in our community will consider a donation to this worthy cause this holiday season, and beyond.”
“For every dollar donated, the Sudbury Food Bank has the buying power of six. So, thanks to Huntington University’s generous donation as part of their annual tree lighting, and the matched contribution by the Lougheed Foundation, we'll be able to purchase $30,000 dollars worth of food for families this holiday season,” says Dan Xilon, Executive Director of the Sudbury Food Bank. “We are extremely grateful to Huntington University for their ongoing 60-year legacy of community service and civic leadership in Greater Sudbury. This year, more than ever, the need for our services is great and we applaud Huntington University for using this annual event to shine a public spotlight on our organization as we head into one of the busiest times of the year for our services, and a period of great need for many of our community members.”
This holiday season there are many ways to support the Sudbury Food Bank:
- Christmas and Holiday Cards Campaign 2021
- Edgar Burton Christmas Food Drive 2021
- CP Holiday Train at Home
To learn more about these initiatives, ways to give, and volunteer opportunities with the Sudbury Food Bank, please visit their website at: Sudburyfoodbank.ca.
“This generous donation by Huntington University and the Lougheed Foundation, along with the amazing work of Dan and his team at the Sudbury Food Bank, are helping those in our city to rise up and succeed,” said Bela Ravi, Chancellor of Huntington University. “Together we are working to make Greater Sudbury an even greater place to live."