A Busy Time of Year

I interviewed the Social Justice group and the Student Council to see what they had planned for this Christmas season.

The University of Winnipeg Collegiate is very lively this time of year. In the midst of recovery from last months exams, we see students cramming yet again, and Christmas is on its way. Among these busy people are the Social Justice group and the Student Council; each working for a good cause.

Each Friday during the lunch hour, the Social Justice group gathers together to do what they do. Present one of these Fridays were : Ms. Charlotte Arnold, Ms. Cathie Herd, Nicole Jowett, Katie Zawaly, Ruth Sangalang, Brandi Bird, Michael Van Vlaenderen and Alexandre Ilkkala-Boyer. What do they do? The group deals with “equity issues,” replies Katie Zawaly. “Our goal is not only to spread awareness, but also to give people inspiration for action.” To do that, the group is hosting a Conversations on Conflict coming soon, and will hopefully give people better understanding of the issues that not only effect people in this city, but also people around the world.

Why is this so important, and why should other people help? It is simply because the people here can.

The group is also beginning to form a charity named 'Under the Tree'. The charity will hopefully raise money for school supplies for children from the Sudan who are currently attending elementary school, literally, under a tree. In addition, the group is planning a clothing drive for the coming Christmas season and there will be a 'Culturama' held in the near future. Katie Zawaly also says that, “the thirty-one hour famine is a must!”

Social Justice has given these students a great deal of values and knowledge, and is not only benefitting them, but also the community. “I've been aware of [these issues], but I didn't know the details [and know] why or how.” said Ruth Sangalang. “This group is different from other clubs I've been in, we're actually doing stuff.”

Since the Collegiate does have connections with higher people, it is easier to get all of these projects going. But, Nicole Jowett says, “it's really about benefitting other people.” Nice job team!

Another bunch of hardworking people is the Student Council. I sat in on one of there meetings one Monday to see what they were currently arranging for the school.

There are a number of upcoming events such as the Holiday Café, a bake sale, an early December breakfast, a concert at the Western Cultural Centre and of course fundraising ideas for the Christmas season.

The group is always trying to make the school year as fun as possible for the rest of the students at the Collegiate. Recent events such as Halloween and Spirit Week have proven to be a success that we all look forward to again next year.

Janèle F