Holland College | Paramedicine Students Launch Community Food Drive

First-year Holland College Paramedicine students are collecting food and hygiene products for the Upper Room Food Bank as part of a student-led community outreach initiative.

First-year Holland College Paramedicine students are putting community service into action with a food drive supporting the Upper Room Food Bank.

On Saturday, October 24th, from 8 am to 11 am, donations will be accepted at Sobeys at the corner of University Avenue and Allen Street and at the Atlantic Superstore at 465 University Avenue, with the goal of filling an ambulance with donations.

To make it easier for residents to contribute, the students are also organizing porch pickups throughout Charlottetown for those unable to drop off donations in person.

When Stephen Pitre’s class was tasked with a community outreach assignment, the aspiring paramedics quickly answered the call to create this unique food drive.

Pitre reached out to Island EMS and the Paramedic Association of PEI for help with transportation and logistics. Both organizations offered vehicles to support the students’ efforts.

A group of Paramedicine students pose with a sign they prepared to advertise the food drive For the students, the project is an opportunity to do something practical to support the community they will soon serve as paramedics.

“It’s been incredible to see everyone come together for a great cause,” said Pitre. “We may be a class of overachievers. Everyone is putting in overtime on what started as a small assignment, but we hope it will make a big impact for the food bank.”

Donate in person:

Donations of non-perishable or shelf-stable food items and general hygiene products can be dropped off on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 am – 11 am. Just look for the ambulance outside.