The Lambton College Foundation is looking to help students at the Sarnia campus impacted by COVID-19.
The alumni department launched the Envision Tomorrow Student Support Fund to help students in need through a food security program, and a fall scholarship program for returning students.
Director Marc Guilbeault said post-secondary students are among the many people who have been impacted by the pandemic in really profound ways.
"The diminished employment opportunities and the overall uncertainty have taken a serious toll. So we hear from our councillors and of course from faculty that our students are struggling even with the basic living necessities and expenses and it's really hard to hear, so we're doing this to certainly support our students."
Guilbeault said they've partnered with the Student Administrative Council for the food security portion of the program.
"So the food security fund, if donors choose to direct funds there, will be going to our SAC [Student Administrative Council] and they'll be using those funds to purchase food from local businesses and distribute them to local students using our large base of student volunteers."
Guilbeault said the scholarship part of the fund is just like their other scholarships and bursaries that are available to students at the college, which returning students can apply for.
"We anticipate that there will be significant financial pain when the fall semester begins and we want to be able to ensure that students have the funds to continue with their education and to focus on reaching their goals and their academic success."
Guilbeault said NOVA Chemicals and the Lambton College Alumni Association will evenly match the first $30,000 in donations.
"I don't want to put a cap on it, but hundreds of thousands of dollars are needed. We're going to keep plugging away patiently and do our best to raise the funds needed to support our students, and ultimately, our community and local workforce in the years ahead."
The foundation is accepting donations through their fundraising coordinator Ashley Bisson, 519-312-1008, or donors can go to the Lambton College's Canada Helps page to contribute.
