Over fifty years ago Trent University was formed through the generosity of the greater Peterborough community. Every fall, the Traill Gives campaign raises funds for the community as a small token of appreciation from Trent’s oldest and only downtown college. This year, moved by the Syrian refugee crisis, it was decided that all funds raised would be directed to the New Canadians Centre to assist with their efforts in bringing refugees to the Peterborough area.

The undergraduates, grad students and faculty of the College raised over $200 dollars in a bucket campaign with an additional $500 contributed by the Canadian Union for Public Employees, Local 3908. CUPE, which is based at the College, is the union that represents contract teaching staff and graduate teaching assistants at the university.

“Graduate students do not have a lot of extra money to offer, so I am really appreciative of the funds that were raised through our fall campaign,” said Dr. Michael Eamon, principal of Traill College “This money, coupled with a very generous donation from our friends at CUPE, will mean that the New Canadians Centre can develop much-needed resources to aid those who want to sponsor refugees coming to the area.”

Dr. Michael Eamon presented the money to the New Canadian Centre’s Jason Stabler and Tamara Hoogerdyk where he was told that there is a need for student volunteers to assist the New Canadians Centre with this and other community projects. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Michael Eamon for further details on how they can help at: michaeleamon@trentu.ca