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Muslim students bring culture to Algonquin College during Islamic Awareness Week

What do calligraphy, henna, Qur'ans and charity all have in common? They were all part of this year’s Islamic Awareness Week

Marcos Somarriba

Photos: Marcos Somarriba

March 30, 2025
Revised: March 30, 2025 8:28am

Photo: Marcos Somarriba

Abdiraman Osman (left) with Yusuf Snyder in E-building.

The Algonquin College Muslim Student Alliance hosted an event in E-building on March 17 and March 18 to celebrate Islamic Awareness Week.

For their annual event, the MSA set up tables with a variety of activities in which people could have conversations, donate to charity, do henna or simply learn more about Islam.

Khalid Saoud, 20, an Algonquin College student taking a bachelor of engineering program, set up his table with Qur’ans and brochures with Islamic information for anyone wanting to learn more about Islam.

Qur'ans and brochures displayed at Saoud's table. Photo credit: Marcos Somarriba

“Every year we have this event called IAW, which stands for Islamic Awareness Week,” said Saoud. “People come in, they look around, read the posters and people have questions, but others just walk around.”

Posters containing information about Islam and the teachings of their Prophet, Muhammad, were set up near the entrance of E-building.

Islamic Calligraphies on display at E-Building. — Islamic calligraphies on display at E-building. Photo credit: Marcos Somarriba

Posters featuring award-winning Islamic calligraphy were on displayed. The calligraphies had verses from the Qu’ran, the most sacred book in Islam. Several of the calligraphies are from Turkey and Egypt.

“We also have a henna table and a hijab table set up for the girls,” said Saoud.

One of the tables at the event was hosted by Yusuf Snyder and Abdiraman Osman, both Algonquin College students and members of the International Development and Relief Foundation.

Brochures containing more information about the IDRF, including ways to donate, were displayed along with a donation box.

“The IDRF is a very transparent organization,” said Snyder. “For every one dollar donated, 91 cents will go to aid in places such as Gaza, Syria and Afghanistan for example.”

“The rest of the nine cents goes to administration costs,” said Osman. “Even if somebody gives three dollars, almost all of that money is going to aid.”

Brochures containing information about the IDRF on Osman's and Yusuf's table. Photo credit: Marcos Somarriba

The IDRF is a Canadian Muslim charity organization that opened in 1984. Over the decades, its influence has increased.

“The IDRF recently opened a new headquarters here in Ottawa. The organization is based in Toronto,” said Snyder. “The IDRF has been operating since 1984 and now it is one of the top 100 charitable organizations in Canada.”

The IDRF operates in more than 40 countries on all continents across the globe.

The MSA hosted another event in the Observatory offering a free meal for Iftar, the time when Muslims break their fast to eat during Ramadan.

The MSA said they have more events planned, even after Islamic Awareness Week.

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Students find creative ways to dodge high parking costs at Algonquin College

Students are feeling the pinch of rising parking fees

Nicklaus Korim

Photos: Nicklaus Korim

March 30, 2025
Revised: March 30, 2025 8:21am

Photo: Nicklaus Korim

The pay to park sign in lot eight at Algonquin College March 27.

Abbey Treanor, a fourth-year interior design student at Algonquin College, believes that parking prices have risen too high for the average student trying to pay their tuition.

“I can’t afford to spend money all the time. I already pay for tuition,” said Treanor.

With rising costs of tuition, external costs of her program and the lack of time she has to work because of class scheduling, Treanor is adamant that the steep parking prices should drop. The average price of tuition has increased 28 per cent across Ontario in the last five years, according to the Canadian Federation of Students. Ontario now has the highest tuition cost across Canada.

“Ottawa is expensive,” said Treanor.

However, Treanor may have found a workaround for some students who are trying to avoid the daunting parking lot price tag. She split the costs of a single parking pass between friends last year, since the college allows motorists to register multiple licence plates under the same pass.

“We were only overlapped for 14 minutes,” said Treanor when asked if she had received any tickets from overlapping, when two different vehicles were parked at the same time using the same single parking pass.

Abbey Treanor in her car looking at her parking ticket from March 23. Photo credit: Nicklaus Korim

According to Treanor another method she uses is more of a risk-or-reward approach — not paying at all. While the campus does have security issuing tickets, according to Treanor, sometimes they don’t catch you.

Treanor said she doesn’t pay for daily parking at the college “more times than not.”

Treanor said she’s only received three parking tickets for around $80 each in the last four years she spent at Algonquin and doesn’t plan on paying for a parking pass in the future. She said it’s worth paying a couple of tickets compared to the parking pass fees.

The yearly parking pass at the college ranges from $799 to nearly $1,100, monthly passes range from $129 to $192, weekly passes are $34 to $43 and daily passes are from $4 to $18. The prices depend on the lot, the time of day and the day of the week.

Parking lot 12 at Algonquin College with open spaces March 27. Photo credit: Nicklaus Korim

Grace Miller, a former Algonquin College student from the police foundations program, found a creative way to dodge the college’s parking police.

Miller decided to get a job at Kettlemans in College Square right beside campus. She would park her car out front of her work and walk over to campus. Regularly students are given fines if caught parking in College Square.

“A good chunk of the reason I worked at Kettlemans was to avoid the parking fees and to pay for small things around school,” said Miller.

“Even after I was done working there, I would still park at Kettlemans.”

Miller could not afford the high prices of parking and she believes it is completely unjust that students must pay to park.

“Kind of ridiculous,” Miller said.

“People spend so much on courses that they shouldn’t have to worry about parking.”

Rylee Reid, an advertising and marketing student in her first year at Algonquin College, has decided to bite the bullet and pay for parking. She pays $14 each day to park on campus and wishes she bought an annual pass at the beginning of the term.

“Yeah, after being caught a couple times with parking tickets I had no choice but to just buy the yearly pass,” Reid said.

“It’s insane how much the college charges, even with the amount of open spaces there are.”

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Federal election: 15 things you need to know about the upcoming vote

The Algonquin Times answered students' pressing questions as the April vote nears

Ernest Ko

Photos: Elections Canada

March 27, 2025
Revised: March 27, 2025 8:49pm

Photo: Elections Canada

A voter casts a ballot.

With the 45th federal election around the corner, Algonquin Times reporters compiled answers to some questions you might have before casting your vote.

When is the federal election?

Election day is April 28, 2025. Check your local polling stations to know when polls open and close that day.

How long is the election campaign?

According to election law, election campaigns must be at least 37 days long and not surpass 51 days.

This time around, the campaign is the shortest allowed — 37 days.

Who can vote?

According to Elections Canada, you can vote if you are: 18 years and older, a Canadian citizen and can prove your identity and address.

How can I vote and what important dates should I know?

There are multiple ways to vote:

On election day on April 28 at your local polling station
On advance polling days at your local polling station from April 18 to April 21 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Early voting at the 500 Elections Canada offices around the country by April 22 at 6 p.m. The offices are open seven days a week at various hours.
Voters can mail their votes by applying for a mail-in kit on Elections Canada’s website by April 26, 6 p.m. EDT. Voters will receive their ballots by around April 11. The mail-in ballots must be received by Elections Canada by April 28, election day.
The deadline to register to vote is April 22.

What do I need to vote?

When going to vote in-person, you must prove your identity and address through one of four options:

Bringing your voter registration card
Any piece of government-issued ID including your photo, address and name
Two pieces of government-issued ID including either photo, address or name
For voters with no ID, you can vote if you declare your identity and address in writing and have a voucher who is assigned to the same polling station. The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address.

How do I register to vote?

You can register to vote through the Online Voter Registration Service by April 22 or in person at your local Elections Canada office by April 22, or at your assigned polling station on election day or advance polling days.

What if I didn’t register in time?

You can still vote if you are not registered to vote. Simply arrive at the polling station with two pieces of identification with your name and address.

Who are the leaders of Canada’s main federal political parties?

Liberal Party of Canada — Mark Carney
Progressive Conservative Party of Canada — Pierre Poilievre
New Democratic Party of Canada — Jagmeet Singh
Bloc Québécois — Yves-François Blanchet
Green Party of Canada — Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault
People’s Party of Canada — Maxime Bernier

Where can I find more information about my riding in Ottawa?

The Algonquin Times has information on every Ottawa riding. Read more here.

What riding is Algonquin College in?

Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus is located in Ottawa West-Nepean.

When are the leadership debates?

As of writing, there are two debates scheduled, one in French and one in English. Both debates are held at the Maison de Radio-Canada in Montreal. The French debate will be aired on April 16 at 9 p.m. EDT. The English debate will be aired on April 17 at 7 p.m. The debates will be aired across the country. Omni TV will be translating both debates in Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Tagalog, Arabic and Italian.

Why are we having an election?

By law, Canada was required to have a federal election no later than Oct. 20 of this year.

Justin Trudeau stepped down as prime minister after Liberals elected Mark Carney as their new party leader in March. Carney asked Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament on March 23, kicking off the snap election campaign.

How are votes counted?

After polling stations close on voting day, election officers begin opening ballot boxes and counting the votes. All ballots are then returned to the returning officer, where a riding will announce a winner.

In cases where votes are too close to call, the ballots will be recounted and supervised by a judge.

Results will be publicly released by Elections Canada.

What is the federal government responsible for?

Canada’s federal and provincial governments have separate responsibilities.

Federal responsibilities include national security, the economy, trade, citizenship, Indigenous affairs, criminal law and other federal legislation.

Provincial governments may be responsible for transportation, health, provincial taxes and municipalities.

What are the ballot box questions?

According to a poll by Abacus Data released on March 25, reducing the cost of living, dealing with the U.S. administration and improving Canada’s healthcare system were the most pressing issues to Canadian voters.

Kevin Clasper-Inglis, Ernest Ko and Vasileios Tselios contributed to this story.

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Federal election: Here are the ridings at play in Ottawa

Learn about the ridings and candidates ahead of the April 28 vote

Delaney Smith

Photos: Elections Canada

March 27, 2025
Revised: March 27, 2025 8:36pm

Photo: Elections Canada

A map of the City of Ottawa showing the federal ridings.

Ottawa West-Nepean

Ottawa West-Nepean boundaries are the Ottawa River to the north, the CN Rail line to the south, Fisher Avenue to the east and Moodie Drive to the west. There are an estimated 92,273 electors.

Candidates:

Ryan Telford, Conservative Party

Anita Vandenbeld, Liberal Party, incumbent

Josh Bizjak, NDP

Glen Armstrong, People’s Party of Canada

Nepean

Nepean riding has a northern boundary of the CP Rail line, a western boundary of Highway 416 and a southern boundary of Barnsdale Road. The eastern boundary runs along the Rideau River. The riding includes Barrhaven

Candidates:

Barbara Bal, Conservative Party

Greg Hopkins, Green Party

Mark Carney, Liberal Party

Eric Fleury, People’s Party of Canada

Carleton

Elections Canada redrew the boundaries of the Carleton riding for the 2025 election. The change came after an independent review following the 2021 census. The riding now stretches from Renfrew County to Prescott-Russell, adding Stittsville, Osgoode, Constance Bay and Fitzroy Harbour to Metcalf to its boundaries.

Based on a 2021 census, the population is 124,416 with an estimated 99,087 electors.

Candidates:

Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party, incumbent

Bruce Fanjoy, Liberal Party

Chantale Dore, People’s Party of Canada

Kanata

The Kanata riding was established in 2023, replacing the former Kanata-Carleton riding. The riding stretches from Bells Corners in the east to Constance Lake in the west, and extends south toward Carp Road and Highway 7. It has a population of 121,458 and an estimated 90,004 electors.

Candidates:

Greg Kung, Conservative Party

Jenna Sudds, Liberal Party, incumbent

Jennifer Purdy, Green Party

Viktoria Zaniewska, People’s Party of Canada

Ottawa South

Ottawa South is located between Vanier, to the north, Orleans, east, Carleton, south, and Nepean to the west. The boundaries of Ottawa South run along Highway 417, the Rideau River, Hunt Club Road and Limebank Road. There is an estimated 91,836 electors in the riding.

Candidates:

Blair Turner, Conservative Party

David McGuinty, Liberal Party, incumbent

Nira Dookeran, Green Party

Hena Masjedee, NDP

Tony Papadimitriou, People’s Party of Canada

Ottawa Centre

Ottawa Centre has experienced some boundary changes since the previous federal election. The new boundaries expand Ottawa Centre to the west, ending at Golden Avenue, running down to meet Carling Avenue, where it then runs east until the corner of Carling and Fisher, forming the southern border of the riding following the CN Rail line until it meets Bank Street. The eastern boundary runs up Bank street until it meets the Rideau River, following the Rideau Canal until it meets the Ottawa River and the Quebec border. The estimated number of electors is 98,124.

Candidates:

Paul D’Orsonnens, Conservative Party

Amanda Rosenstock, Green Party

Yasir Naqvi, Liberal Party, incumbent

Joel Harden, NDP

Martyn Simms, People’s Party of Canada

Orléans

Orleans is a francophone-dominant suburban area in the east end of Ottawa. The neighborhood is connected to the rest of the city by Ottawa Regional Road 174. The boundary for Orléans stretches from the Ottawa River in the north, then to Navan Road in the south and the start of Highway 174 in the west until reaching Cardinal Creek in the east. There are an estimated 98,463 electors.

Candidates:

Steve Mansour, Conservative Party

Michelle Petersen, Green Party

Marie France-Lalonde, Liberal Party, incumbent

Oulai B. Goue, NDP

Tafiqul Abu Mohammed, People’s Party of Canada

Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester

Formerly known as Ottawa Vanier, the riding has switched names to Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester and has had its boundaries changed to bring in Blackburn Hamlet. The boundaries extend through Innes Road, stopping at Montreal Road before turning into St. Joesph Boulevard. It extends through the highway and extends down to the Ottawa River on Nicholas Street.

There are an estimated 94,342 electors.

Candidates:

Dean Wythe, Conservative Party

Sarah Baron, Green Party

Mona Fortier, Liberal Party, incumbent

Tristan Oliff, NDP

Prescott-Russell-Cumberland

Prescott-Russell-Cumberland has an estimated 90,701 electors. The riding includes the City of Clarence-Rockland, Hawkesbury, The Nation, the townships of Alfred and Plantagenet, Champlain, East Hawkesbury and Russell, Casselman and a portion of east Ottawa.

Candidates:

Julie Seguin, Conservative

Thaila Riden, Green Party

Giovanna Mingarelli, Liberal

Deborah Perrier, People’s Party of Canada

For more information on your riding, visit Elections Canada.

Candidates are as of publication on March 27.

Marcos Castillo, Nathan Heatherington, Robyn Lanktree, Jaiden Martin, Joshua Peachey Leigh, Bradley Richards, Duncan Roi and Delaney Smith contributed to this story.

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Federal election: Students voice concerns ahead of April vote

Homelessness, U.S. relations, housing and equality are on the minds of students this spring

Kendra Mendrisky

Photos: Kendra Mendrisky

March 27, 2025
Revised: March 27, 2025 7:30pm

Photo: Kendra Mendrisky

The Algonquin Times asked students what's on their minds ahead of the federal election.

Jessica Mini – radio broadcasting, Algonquin College

“One thing regardless of party affiliation or political background that I think a lot of Canadians can agree on is probably what’s going on with our neighbours to the south.”

“I think tariffs as well as relations with the prime minister and the future prime minister and the president of the United States is going to be a huge potential issue.”

Cailean Bernard – business (marketing), Algonquin College

“I think one important thing that federal leaders should invest in is the issue of homelessness, especially in the downtown core. I live downtown, and I see a lot of that. It’s really distressing, especially with people literally passing away in the winter because they’re living rough on the streets. Something needs to be done about that.”

Sara Justinico – biomedical sciences, University of Ottawa

“I think the homelessness issue in Canada is a really big issue that should be addressed in the upcoming election. It impacts our community as Canadians, and just as women in Canada —we want to raise kids here. It’s kind of scary what can happen to the people who live on the streets. It’s also just a very big issue that’s been getting bigger and bigger as time has passed.”

Jeffrey Short – civil engineering technician, Algonquin College

“More affordable housing for the future, that’s a big thing. I know houses are way too expensive right now. And, when I get out of school, I want to be able to afford a house, have a family. And I want all that to be affordable.”

Wardi Ellai – business administration, Algonquin College

“Honestly I just hope we get a guy that everyone likes and that’s kind of equal to everyone’s rights.”

Dennis Ndukwe – business management and entrepreneurship, Algonquin College

“This year’s election I would love to see equality. I would love to see the coming together of everyone. I love to see support and more in the community. I would love to see more positivity coming, that’s what I would love to see from this community this election.”

Elyse Barker, Nicklaus Korim, Kendra Mendrisky, Hau Ting Ng, Gavin Oregan and Lara Simard contributed to this story.

Video editor: Skyla Murray

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Algonquin College hosts Round Dance ceremony to celebrate Indigenous culture

The varsity gym transformed into a space of cultural celebration on March 21 as the Mamidosewin Centre and SA hosted the annual ceremony

Ana Silva

Photos: Ana Silva

March 27, 2025
Revised: March 27, 2025 2:30pm

Photo: Ana Silva

Dancers join together for the first full circle of the night at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21, celebrating community, tradition, and unity.

Algonquin College’s varsity gym was filled with the sounds of drums and singing on March 21 as the Mamidosewin Centre and the Students’ Association hosted the Round Dance ceremony, an annual gathering that celebrates Indigenous culture and traditions.

The seven-hour event, which started at 5 p.m., brought together students, faculty and community members for a night of music, dance and cultural connection. People formed a large circle, stepping in unison to the beat of the drum, a tradition that has been carried forward for generations.

The Round Dance's first full circle of the night. — Dancers join together for the first full circle of the night at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21, celebrating community, tradition, and unity. Photo credit: Ana Silva

“The Round Dance is a traditional Indigenous cultural ceremony that takes place across many different tribes across Turtle Island,” said Summer Wabasse, the events and communications officer at the Mamidosewin Centre. “It is traditionally held to honour and remember our ancestors and those who have passed away. While the meaning of the ceremony may seem solemn, Round Dances are actually large, festive, family-friendly community events.”

Wabasse also highlighted the importance of holding the ceremony at Algonquin College.

“For many years, ceremonies such as the Round Dance were illegal and had to be practised in secret,” Wabasse said. “Having one held at Algonquin College is very significant. It is important to revitalize cultural ceremonies like this to celebrate and honour our culture.”

The event featured performances by 13 singers, each taking turns to perform four songs before passing the microphone to the next. Kevin Lamarr, the evening’s MC, introduced each performer, ensuring the energy of the night remained high.

The singers table preparing for the next song. — Singers at the Round Dance Ceremony prepare for the next song, setting the rhythm for the dancers at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

Alongside the music and dancing, vendors set up booths displaying an array of handmade crafts, artwork and jewelry, allowing guests to take home a piece of Indigenous culture.

Frank “Big Frank” Sirazin, a craftsman specializing in beadwork, leatherwork and handmade drums, expressed his joy in participating.

“I feel proud and joyful that our people put on events like this. We go to a lot of events like this all over Canada,” Sirazin said.

Frank ‘Big Frank’ Sirazin showcasing handcrafted drums, beadwork, and leather goods at his booth during the Round Dance ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21, 2025 — Frank ‘Big Frank’ Sirazin showcasing handcrafted drums, beadwork, and leather goods at his booth during the Round Dance ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

Chelsea Brosseau, a beadwork artist, said she looks forward to these events.

“It connects you with your culture, your history and your people. Plus, you get to meet new people and share your work,” Brosseau said while showcasing her beaded hair barrettes, pins, medallions, earrings and keychains.

Chelsea Brosseau sits at her vendor table, smiling as she showcases her handmade jewelry and crafts at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College's Varsity Gym on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

River Saulis, a young artist, brought a unique twist to the vendor space with beaded Crocs charms.

“They sold out pretty good last time I was at a market, so I decided to go all out on them,” Saulis said. “It’s really fun to use your creativity and have other people enjoy it.”

River Saulis and Patrica Saulis selling beaded croc charms, at their booth during the Round Dance ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

Connie Moore, an Algonquin College alumna, was excited to return to campus for the event, showcasing her collection of orange T-shirts for Every Child Matters, ribbon skirts, smudge kits, moccasins and handmade earrings.

“This is the first year I’ve done this event. My granddaughter is actually a student here and she let me know about it,” Moore said.

Paisley Clare, a hairstyling student at Algonquin College, attended her first Round Dance that night.

“I love it. The music, the drums, everything about it,” Clare said. “I really like that our school was able to hold this event because I don’t hear about things like this at other schools. It’s important, especially for Indigenous students, so they can feel like themselves in their own school while others learn about their culture.”

Paisley Clare and Ciara Peltier (right) take a moment to reflect and share their experience in an interview at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

For many, the night was an opportunity to connect with their heritage and community.

“Celebrating my culture and who I am is important to me. My favourite part was the dancing, especially the side steps,” said Cianna Yellowbird, who attends many Indigenous ceremonies.

Brendan Mannik, a first-time guest at a round dance, was introduced to the event through a friend. “I wanted to check it out, and I’m glad I did. The dancing was my favourite part,” Mannik said.

Damien Boucher and Brendan Mannik ( Right) sitting down while watching the Round Dance. — Damien Boucher and Brendan Mannik (right) watch the Round Dance at the Round Dance Ceremony at Algonquin College on March 21. Photo credit: Ana Silva

As the Round Dance continues to grow each year, organizers hope to keep expanding its reach and impact.

“Each year, we find ourselves moving to a larger venue to accommodate the higher volumes of people we see,” Wabasse said. “This year was our first time including a vendor market, and we hope to build on that in the future.”

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Green Clover Hunt brings St. Patrick’s Day cheer to Algonquin College

From hallways to windows, students searched everywhere on campus for hidden clovers

Marcos Somarriba

Photos: AC Hub

March 27, 2025
Revised: March 27, 2025 1:52pm

Photo: AC Hub

Instagram Post for The Great Clover Hunt.

The AC Hub at Algonquin College’s Ottawa Campus organized the Great Green Clover Hunt for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day.

The scavenger hunt featured green clovers hidden all over the campus in locations such as hallways, windows and walls. Each clover contained instructions on how to claim a prize.

The scavenger hunt started at 11 a.m. and continued until the last clover was found. The event was open to all Algonquin College students.

Overall, students who participated in the event said they had fun while embracing a competitive spirit.

Adam Farah sitting in the Wolves Den. Photo credit: Marcos Somarriba

“Me and my bros didn’t feel like going out today so we thought about doing this event instead,” said business student Adam Farah, 18. “It was hard to find some clovers but one of us found it after one hour of looking around.”

Business student Abdulaziz Ketout, 18, was one of the lucky students to find a clover.

“I found the clover on one of the windows around E-building and I got a gift card. It was a fun activity with my girlfriend,” said Ketout.

Prizes for finding a clover included a mug full of candy with a $25 gift card to food locations on campus such as Marketplace Food Court in D-building, Booster Juice, Tim Hortons, Bits N’ Bytes in T-building, The Fix Eatery in ACCE, The Portable Feast in B-building and 35th Street Market Cafe in the Student Residence Building.

“There were about 85 winners,” said Samantha Therrien, an event programmer at the AC Hub. “Every winner received a mug with candy inside. The first 60 winners also received $25 gift card to food locations on campus.”

Samantha Therrien, Event Programmer at the AC Hub Photo credit: Samantha Therrien

The idea for the Great Green Clover Hunt stemmed from previous scavenger hunt events.

“We’ve done themed scavenger hunts before usually for Easter, but we wanted to try something new this year so we decided for St. Patrick’s Day-themed,” said Therrien. “We didn’t have any other plans for St. Patrick’s Day but we know students love scavenger hunts and winning prizes, so we thought this would fit really well for the day.”

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PR students shine in Pouring Positivity fundraiser for addiction support

Charity event in support of Rideauwood brings music, sweet treats and community building

Elyse Barker

Photos: Elyse Barker

March 26, 2025
Revised: March 26, 2025 4:01pm

Photo: Elyse Barker

Family, friends, and Algonquin college staff socializing at Pouring Positivity

A decades-old student initiative at Algonquin College continues to make an impact, with its latest event, Pouring Positivity, raising funds and awareness for substance abuse services.

The fundraiser on March 23 was part of the Hope on the Horizon student-run charity campaign that has raised over half a million dollars for local organizations over its 40-year history.

This year, the campaign is supporting Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, an organization that provides counselling and resources for individuals and families facing addiction challenges.

Pouring Positivity marked the third event in the seven-part series being hosted by Algonquin College public relations students and staff.

Six public relation girls posed infront of the pouring positivity event entrance. — The event staff posed to greet those attending Pouring Positivity. Photo credit: Elyse Barker

Mas Shoucair, a volunteer with Hope on the Horizon, explained the broader campaign’s mission and how Pouring Positivity fits into the initiative.

“It’s a great cause and an amazing way to give back to the community. We’re not just here to spread awareness but to show people that communities can be found throughout any path of life,” Shoucair said.

The event featured live performances from Sing House Studios artists, fancy tea refreshments, trivia games and a special guest speaker, Samantha Hayward from Rideauwood.

Hayward spoke about the importance of reducing the stigma around substance abuse and how meaningful the event was for the organization.

“We’re very excited that Rideauwood was chosen by this dedicated group of students this year,” Hayward said.

“There is still a huge stigma on substance abuse, and it can be difficult at times for us to reach the community and get our message out there. These are people, neighbours, these are family, so we are very thankful,” she said.

Hayward also highlighted the significance of hope in recovery, emphasizing the impact of community support.

“With many people who come into my office, I often say to them, I’m gonna hold the hope for you until you can hold it. To see that hope reflected in this event was very touching,” she said. “Hope is usually robbed in these situations, so thank you, thank you, thank you for your generosity. It means a lot to us,”

Spencer Ghadbad posed in front of a Hope on the Horizon sign attached to a white table — Event team leader Spencer Ghadbad standing in front of the Hope on the Horizon sign Photo credit: Elyse Barker

Spencer Ghadbad, the team lead for Pouring Positivity, reflected on the event’s success and the hard work put into making it happen.

“I am so happy with the turnout and the amount of people,” Ghadbad said. “This is such an important cause and this event is just highlighting how great the community is. A lot of hard work went into this, I’m very proud of everything.”

All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting Rideauwood’s programs for youth and young adults struggling with substance use.

For more information about Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, visit www.rideauwood.org.

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Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker released from Israeli detainment

Top stories in your community and around the world by Algonquin Times journalists

Joshua Peachey-Leigh

Photos:

March 26, 2025
Revised: March 26, 2025 2:04pm

Local

CTV: Ottawa police are investigating an assault and robbery linked to a Facebook Marketplace transaction involving a cellphone.

The assault and robbery took place on Sunday after the victim met two individuals at their residence to complete the transaction. It was at this point, according to an Ottawa Police statement on X, that the victim was assaulted and the cellphone stolen. The suspects fled immediately afterwards.

Ottawa Police reminded residents that the Ottawa Police Service headquarters features Safe Trade spaces for online transactions.

Ottawa Chief of Police Eric Stubbs discussed the case, and others like it, on Newstalk 580 CFRA’s The Morning Rush. “We have seen this where people do meet at their residence. Please, do not do that,” Stubbs said.“If the buyer or the seller, the person that you’re dealing with, wants to change locations at the last minute, don’t allow it.”

National

Montreal Gazette: The latest Angus-Reid and Léger federal election polls show the Liberals under Prime Minister Mark Carney in the lead, despite the Liberal party’s performance earlier in the year.

The Liberals are polling in the lead in Quebec, at 49 per cent compared to the runner-up Bloc Québécois, which polled at 27 per cent. The Liberals also hold a lead in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Conservatives have maintained their lead from previous polls in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

International

CBC: Oscar-winning Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal was released Tuesday, March 25 after being detained by the Israeli armed forces Sunday, March 23.

Earlier this month, Ballal won an award for his documentary No Other Land, about the struggles of being Palestinian under Israeli occupation. The award winning director was detained after being attacked by Israeli settlers outside his home.

Ballal was released from holding at a police station in the West Bank. He was released alongside two other Palestinians that were also attacked and detained.

Ballal was held overnight at a military base. “All the night, I was freezing. It was a room, I couldn’t see anything… I heard the voices of soldiers laughing about me,” Ballal told the Associated Press.

News

Joshua Peachey-Leigh

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Joshua Peachey-Leigh

PR campaign heads down memory lane in ’80s-themed fundraiser

Public relations students dress the part for a throwback event aiming to raise money for a local charity.

Bradley Richards

Photos: Bradley Richards

March 25, 2025
Revised: March 26, 2025 1:18pm

Photo: Bradley Richards

PR students out on the dance floor.

Leotards, disco balls and nostalgic hit songs: Algonquin College public relations (ACPR) students turned back time in the ‘80s night fundraising event for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services on March 20.

“We are here for the ACPR charity campaign,” said PR student Abisha Rajasuseenthiran.

“This one is the 40-year anniversary (of the campaign). The first one was in 1985 which is why we chose to throw it back to the ‘80s and pay homage to them.”

Some of the props used during the '80s night event. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

The event, hosted at Live on Elgin, was decorated with streamers, disco balls, neon-coloured stickers and a “memory lane” table to give the event a nostalgic look.

“This is our memory lane,” said PR student Mallory Booth. “It’s just a bunch of ‘80s memorabilia, a blast from the past.”

The memory lane table had cassette tapes, a Walkman, records, Archie comics, Pez dispensers and Booth’s childhood Cabbage Patch Kid, Hazel, on display.

The fundraiser was hosted as part of the ACPR Hope on the Horizon campaign to raise money for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. The charity was founded in 1976 and it provides 17 different programs to assist youth, adults and families impacted by substance use and mental health issues.

“I’m really happy about supporting Rideauwood,” said PR student Sarah Budzinski.

“I think mental health and addiction is something really prevalent in our society, so the fact that we get an opportunity to do something to help out is great.”

Fundraising at the event was done through ticket sales for the event at $15 per ticket, coat check at $1 per item and a donation jar at the door, with all proceeds going to charity.

The event also offered a Rideauwood-inspired mocktail for $7, with $2 from each drink sold going to the charity.

Hershey Moudgil, a PR student who came as
a guest, drinking the Rideauwood-inspired mocktail during the '80s night event. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

Exact numbers on how much was raised through this event haven’t been determined yet, but Rajasuseenthiran had high hopes after seeing the crowd during ‘80s night.

“We have done really well, better than we expected. It has been a great turn out,” said Rajasuseenthiran. “It’s wonderful.”

Bartender Colleen Jones said the Rideauwood mocktail was the most popular drink of the night. The mocktail was made up of lemonade, lemon juice, Sprite and non-alcoholic blue curacao.

Mady George (left) dancing with Holly Racine, the team leader for the '80s night fundraising event. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

People were on the dance floor partying to ‘80s songs blasting through the speakers. Livin’ On A Prayer, Ice Ice Baby and Another One Bites The Dust among other familiar tunes amplified the nostalgic atmosphere.

“It’s been fun, I was expecting all sorts of decorations and stuff like this. I mean, they really pulled through,” said Julia Secord, one of the guests.

(left to right) '80s night guests Emilie Breau, Julia Secord, Abby Kruetzky and Noenie Pelletier. — '80s night guests (left to right) Emilie Breau, Julia Secord, Abby Kruetzky and Noenie Pelletier. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

The ACPR campaign has raised $577,000 for local charities over the 40 years of fundraising. This year, the PR students aim to raise $10,000 for the Hope on the Horizon campaign focused on Rideauwood.

Donations to Hope on the Horizon can also be made online on the ACPR campaign website.

Arts & Entertainment | Featured Hero | Featured Story | Home Feature

Bradley Richards

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Bradley Richards

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