York University Lions varsity student-athletes found a way to make a difference in their local community last month, raising $1235 for the York Sport Council's third annual Halloween for Hunger campaign.
 
The money will be donated to York Food Support Services, which has started the Curbside Food Hamper Distribution Program this year. With the money, YFS will be able to create 50 food hampers to give to local community members.
 
The Sport Council's annual October fundraising event has traditionally been a food collection drive, but COVID prevented the student-athletes from being able to donate non-perishable food items. Instead, the event shifted to monetary donations only and the teams did not disappoint with their efforts, with Lions athletes spread out across Canada still finding a way to give back.
 
"I am so honoured to be working with such an amazing group of individuals," said York Sport Council president Tara Leithead. "This pandemic has continued to throw various obstacles in our way, but the grit and perseverance is a never-ending testament to our strength as Lions. Food insecurity is a real issue in these times and we know it is happening in our own York community. It is something we collectively wanted to support and I'm so proud of all my fellow student-athletes."
 
The York Sport Council's next community outreach initiative will be Adopt-a-Family, which raises donations for the Jane and Finch Community Centre around the holidays.