Register Now for Student Fundraising Events

In the midst of this chaotic pandemic, it is quite daring and hope-filled to see that the students of the Event Management Program at Algonquin College are still so enthusiastic to learn the ropes of what the future of events may look like and how to make the best out of it.

As part of the curriculum, they are required to organize fundraising events which are now open for registration by the public. It has been especially challenging for the students to set up virtual options this year, but on the bright side, people can participate from anywhere, with just the click of a mouse. Be sure to register for one or more of these seven events; and spread the word about these worthy projects. It will make a huge difference for all the students and the charities being supported.

A Taste of France: a virtual evening of French-inspired food and drinks in support of Candelighters Childhood Cancer Support Programs

The evening begins as you are transported to a charming Paris alley featuring live music, and a wine and cheese pairing led by a gregarious sommelier, who will tease your taste buds with examples from the different regions of France.

From there, the alluring smell of fresh pastries will make your mouth water as you participate in a baking workshop. The evening is capped off with a French-inspired cocktail/mocktail workshop that will make you feel like you are in a chic bar on the Champs-Élysées.

Hop(s) on Board: a virtual, yet interactive craft beer experience, in support of Candelighters

Meet us in the exclusive VIP lounge for a masterclass in craft beer tasting, led by a certified cicerone. You will learn about the components of beer tasting including appearance, aroma, flavor, mouthfeel, finish, and flavor interactions.

Your FLIGHT attendant will let you know when it is time to HOP on board. You will travel to three distinct breweries for a tasting of their craft beer. These FLIGHTS are sure to excite your palette. We will TOP OFF the experience, with a HOP Culture Trivia game to give you an opportunity to win great prizes. Attend this virtual event at no charge.

Zen Garden: the key to your wellness

We will take you on a journey of activities and techniques that you can use in your daily life to help overcome those pandemic-induced powerful emotions. This fundraiser event for the Dave Smith Foundation includes a click-to-donate campaign, as well as a silent auction that will run throughout the two hours.

The best part is that you will gain the knowledge to create your own wellness toolkit! Activities include yoga, meditation, therapeutic art, a tea, and hot cocoa session, and the virtual silent auction.

Bier N Brez’n: warm up your oven and taste the craft!

Join us for an exciting experience, enjoying the taste and sounds of Oktoberfest virtually, while supporting the Candelighters charity. Your taste buds will be treated to an array of classic aromatic hops while you enjoy four perfectly chilled craft beers.

The smell of fresh buttery, Bavarian pretzels will fill the room as a chef joins us to prepare these delicious treats! A quick and easy-to-make German beer cheese will provide the perfect dipping partner for your pretzels. Throughout the event, an accordion artist will delight us with upbeat and energetic music, creating an authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere. You will feel joyful while you laugh along with our stand-up comedian. An enthusiastic host will engage with interesting fun facts throughout the evening.

Canadian Comedy Night: a FUNdraising Event

If you miss live comedy and are a fan of Canadian tastes and flavours, join us virtually on March 27. Canadiana Comedy Night - A FUNdraising Event will be hosted on the Zoom platform. Get ready for a live stand-up comedy show, delectable cooking demonstrations, amusing pop-up quizzes on Canadian food culture, and exciting silent auction prizes. Proceeds from the event will go to the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre.

Sunday Night Games: PJs, Popcorn and Prizes, a fundraiser for the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre

You won't have to go far, and you don't have to dress up! Just kick back at home and relax in your comfiest attire (onesies strongly encouraged), sip away at your favorite drink, and catch up with old pals and make new friends over brain-teasing games. If you are attending solo, that’s no problem. Our virtual platform is designed for mingling and socializing, and it’s the perfect way to meet new people during the pandemic. The evening will include everyone’s favorite classic, Trivia, and an Escape Room for the puzzle-solving enthusiast. To top things off, you will learn how to play one of the HOTTEST games in the online world, Among Us. Be prepared for a few other surprises in the mix!

Wildly Canadian: cooking on the wild side

Wildly Canadian will tickle your taste buds as celebrity Chef & Culinary Artist Jagger Gordon shares tips and tricks while demonstrating how to cook and serve a scrumptious Canadian fish dish. Whether you are a seasoned outdoors person, or simply curious about the abundance of experiences Canada’s wilderness has to offer, there will be something for everyone. Anglers and orienteering experts will share best practices and answer your questions, ensuring your next foray into the wilderness will have positive results. As Canadians, we may be renowned for our “niceness”, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t keen on a little friendly competition! You will have the chance to win some sweet prizes, while savouring quintessential maple treats during How Canadian Are You? – a wildly Canadian Trivia Game. In support of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Programs, we hope the children’s courage and resilience will inspire you to loosen your purse strings at our online Silent Auction, which will open March 26th.

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Brian Henry, President of Quality Entertainment, has been a constant support to the Event Management Program for the past thirteen years, emceeing for the fundraising events, donating time and equipment, and helping in many more ways. Even during the pandemic struggle, he didn’t let anything keep him from providing his complete support to the students.

Being closely connected to the students and praising them he says, “It was so much easier to get together as a group on a table and talk it out. But now they’re all doing this virtually which poses its challenges like relationship building. The students are doing a great job trying to find silent auction prizes, selling tickets which are all very challenging things in an environment where the biggest companies and charities are cancelling their events. The students are taking initiative and producing worthwhile events.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, students have attended all their classes online. The program coordinator and professors strive to make the virtual lessons deeply interactive and up to date, in order to provide the students with knowledge of virtual, as well as in-person events. Sylvia Densmore, Coordinator, Event Management Program, Algonquin College, explains that with the continuation of on-line learning, the program will be open to a larger pool of students across the globe in the coming years.

Meanwhile, everyone is encouraged to support these future industry professionals by participating in the upcoming fundraising events. Let’s make sure we stay safe and keep the kindness flowing.

 Article written by Shivani Pandya, Algonquin College Graduate

Article edited by Melanie Hudson, Retired MPI Ottawa Member