Sabina Howell, Lee Ann Davey, Tara Munro carry parcels into a truckSabina Howell, co-ordinator of the campus Adopt-a-Family campaign, gets a helping hand from Lee Ann Davey and Tara Munro in packing a truck full of gifts Wednesday.

Community cause opens hearts and wallets on campus

Tara Munro feels lucky to be able to give.

Maintenance supervisor for Canterbury College, she joined colleagues across the campus in donating to the Adopt-a-Family program.

“We’re personally fortunate and we just wanted to help people who aren’t as fortunate so they can have a great Christmas,” she said Wednesday as she helped to fill a truck parked outside the Welcome Centre.

Under the program of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society Foundation, faculties, departments, and individuals “adopt” local families in need and raise cash or buy items on their wish lists.

Departments and individuals across campus donated a record $27,000 in gifts to a total of 41 recipients.

Their generosity addresses a very real need in Windsor-Essex, says Sabina Howell, who co-ordinated the effort through the University’s public affairs office.

“The wish lists that come in always include necessities we take for granted, like winter clothing and housewares,” she says. “It’s wonderful to see our faculty, staff, and students step up to help out.”