A November to Remember: A fundraiser Dentistry won’t forget
Faced with the cancellation of planned in-person festivities due to the pandemic Dentistry faculty, staff, and students decided to make it a November to Remember for some of London’s most vulnerable community members.
Partnering with Unity Project, the Schulich Dentistry Holiday Planning Committee launched a series of events bringing out the festive spirit in everyone. A local organization, Unity Project assists people in London who are seeking emergency shelter, supportive housing, and in-home supports.
As their website shares, the organization grew from a tent city protest in a downtown park in the summer of 2001 and opened doors at our permanent facility in the summer of 2003. Since then, Unity Project has been a consistent provider of emergency shelter and supportive housing for London and area and has helped thousands of community members at risk of or experiencing homelessness work towards housing stability, restore well-being, and exit homelessness.
Dr. Garcia kicked off the initiative with a pledge to personally match every donation up to $1,000. In two short weeks Dentistry raised $5,235 for the Project. They were also able to provide some additional “Santa Sacks” filled with winter wear, sweet treats, and personal items for people struggling with homelessness. And thanks to a community charitable matching program, many were able to double their donation.
A significant portion of the funds was raised in one day during a successful bake sale that brought in over $900 in two hours.
In addition to collecting donations, faculty and staff spread joy with a ‘decorate your space” contest, a “sELFie” photo booth, and set up a Santa’s Workshop to create hand-made holiday ornaments during lunch breaks.
The Holiday Planning Committee is already thinking about the next event to tap into Dentistry’s incredible team spirit and generosity and is looking forward to another November to Remember.
