UPEI Athletics and Recreation and UPEI Student Union partner for food and clothing drive

UPEI Athletics and Recreation and the UPEI Student Union have partnered to support students in need through a campus-wide food and clothing drive during the winter semester.

Panther supporters are invited to donate non-perishable food items and gently used winter clothing, including coats, boots, hats, and mittens, at all remaining Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s Hockey, and Women’s Hockey home games this winter. Collection bins will be available at each event.

“This partnership shows us what is possible when we all come together with a shared purpose,” said Kushi Damry, Vice-President Finance and Administration, UPEISU. “We are not just collecting donations; we are creating a culture of care and support for students and families who need it most.”

Student-athletes are also lending their voices to the initiative.

“As student-athletes, we recognize the importance of supporting our community beyond competition,” said Joe Ranger, UPEI Men’s Hockey. “Panther Hockey and Basketball are proud to contribute to the campus food and clothing drive and help make a positive impact for our community.”

The donations will support the UPEI Campus Food Bank, located in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre, opposite the vending machines. The food bank is open to all students during the fall and winter semesters.

Demand for campus food support has increased significantly in recent years, with student visits rising by nearly 60 per cent. According to student leaders, the pantry recorded nearly 2,900 visits in 2022 and close to 4,600 visits in 2024, underscoring the growing need for community support.

For more information, please contact vpfinance@upeisu.ca, operationsmanager@upeisu.ca, or annear@upei.ca. 

Follow along and help spread the word on social media: @upeisu and @upeipanthers