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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.

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Students conflicted over ‘buy Canadian’ movement

From apparel to snacks, students have several options for supporting Canadian brands on campus

Delaney Smith

Photos: Delaney Smith

March 25, 2025
Revised: March 25, 2025 9:26am

Photo: Delaney Smith

The cafeteria in D Building offers a variety of Van Houtte coffee and tea options for Algonquin students.

The “buy Canadian” movement isn’t top of mind for some Algonquin College students who are mostly concerned about prices and quality of products.

The movement has gained popularity in response to the United States threatening to slap tariffs on goods from Canada and other countries.

Mariah James, an interior design student at Algonquin College, is aware of the movement, but doesn’t actively seek out Canadian-made products.

“I think that it is fair. With all the tariffs Trump has put on products, it’s only natural that it would lead to something like this,” she said.

While she sees the value in supporting Canadian businesses, she admits that price and quality are her primary concerns when making purchases.

“Where it is made isn’t a big issue for me,” she added.

Trishanna Lennon, another student in graphic design, shared a similar perspective.

“I normally do not check where something is made,” she said.

“The only thing that influences my purchase is price and quality, because I believe that is the most important.”

If you're looking for some Canadian cheese options, come to D Building's cafeteria. Cracker Barrel, which is a product of Canada and is made from Dairy farmers of Canada, has a variety of cheese sticks. Another option is the Laughing Cow, which is originally a product of France, but is package in Canada. — If you're looking for some Canadian cheese options, come to the cafeteria in D-building. Cracker Barrel, which is a product of Canada and made by Canadian dairy farmers, has a variety of cheese sticks. Another option is the Laughing Cow, which is originally a product of France, but is packaged in Canada. Photo credit: Delaney Smith

Daniel Pham, a hairstyling student, believes buying Canadian is important because it “helps boost the local economy and supports Canadian jobs.”

However, he admits that he doesn’t always check whether a product is made or sold by Canadian companies unless he is intentionally shopping locally.

“It’s not hard to find Canadian products in grocery stores, but for things like clothing and electronics, it’s more difficult,” he said.

All students who spoke with the Algonquin Times said Algonquin College could promote more Canadian products.

“A lot of the products in vending machines and stores are not Canadian-made,” James said.

“Algonquin cafés already sell so many non-Canadian-made products every day. I would say they should prioritize selling Canadian-made products, but not remove the other ones.”

Lennon agreed, saying, “I think it is a great idea to prioritize selling Canadian products because we are in Canada, and we should focus on selling products that are made in our country.”

Currently, some Canadian brands are available on campus, including Booster Juice, which serves freshly made smoothies and sandwiches, and Van Houtte, a well-known Canadian coffee brand.

However, many snacks, drinks and cafeteria meals come from international brands.

Although Algonquin College is filled with Canadian options, there is one American food chain that often has a lineup: Starbucks.

Some students feel that while international options should remain, more Canadian brands could be introduced if costs don’t skyrocket.

“As long as the prices are reasonable and the product quality is good,” Pham said. “It would be a good way to support local businesses and give students more options to buy locally.”

Algonquin's campus store Connections has a many Canadian options for merch. — Algonquin's campus store Connections has many Canadian options for merch. Photo credit: Delaney Smith

The Algonquin College bookstore Connections carries a range of Canadian-made items, including school supplies and clothing. Students looking for hoodies, T-shirts and accessories made by Canadian brands can find them here.

Meanwhile, the cafeteria offers locally sourced ingredients in some of its meal options, including dairy products and fresh produce.

James believes buying Canadian-made products could positively impact the economy and job market.

“By buying Canadian products, it creates a more local economy and helps to sustain local jobs,” she said.

The Algonquin Times has asked the college if it will be stocking more Canadian products in stores. There was no response by the Times‘ deadline.

The Government of Canada has a website where people can learn how to identify Canadian foods.

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Algonquin College professor’s drumming featured in Oscar-winning movie

"Something this experience has taught me is that that music can be viable for new introductions to new markets," Jeff Asselin says

Ève Bélanger

Photos: Ève Bélanger

March 21, 2025
Revised: March 21, 2025 3:39pm

Photo: Ève Bélanger

Jeff Asselin sits behind a drum set in a studio at Algonquin College.

Jeff Asselin, a professor and general education electives coordinator at Algonquin College, worked on three songs that were featured in the five-time Oscar-winning movie Anora.

The songs were Kafka Was Here, Monday In Utopia and The Shadow Lounge, which were part of albums that Asselin played on.

Doug Martin, a saxophone player and teacher from Ottawa, published and wrote the songs featured in Anora.

Martin had previously developed an online relationship with the music supervisor working on the Anora film.

Being familiar with Martin’s music, the supervisor reached out to offer those particular tunes to be featured in the film. It was an offer Martin immediately accepted.

“I found out that the movie was nominated after seeing a Facebook post Doug Martin had made,” said Asselin.

Promo photo from Jeff Asselin's new book "The Rudimental Blueprint" Photo credit: Supplied photo

Anora premiered on May 21, 2024, at the 77th Cannes Film Festival where it won the Palme d’Or.

At the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, the film won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing.

“I recorded these songs over eight years ago with Doug Martin. Something this experience has taught me is that music can be viable for new introductions to new markets,” said Asselin.

In 2011, 2016 and 2020, Asselin and Martin recorded three albums together alongside other musicians.

“A bar called Whipping Post is where I met Doug. He played in a band called The Crowd and my brother played at the same bar in another band,” said Asselin.

“I would sometimes go and watch my brother play and I met Doug while there,” he said.

A couple years after Asselin and Martin had met, Martin was in need of a drummer for a couple of albums and thought of Asselin.

“It’s easy to work with someone who just tells you to do your thing. He’s really funny and easy to work with,” said Asselin.

Martin and Asselin both described working together as easy and enjoyable, and they are both open to collaborating again in the future.

“I have no plan at the moment for a project that requires a drummer, but if I did he would be my first call,” said Martin.

Beyond his contribution to Anora, Asselin also teaches at the college and runs his own drum academy. “This is my full-time job, my whole life,” he said.

Asselin has been drumming since the sixth grade. As a child, he discovered his love or drumming when his older cousin, a drummer in a band, recorded an album.

“I thought and still think he’s probably the coolest or one of the coolest guys in my life,” said Asselin.

From that young age, Asselin got into lessons right away and stayed in lessons all through university. He received drumming lessons since he was 15 years old from his drumming Idol, Ian Froman, and he studied in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and New York for seven years.

“After that, I got a degree in music and business at Carleton University,” said Asselin.

With his Anora songs, Asselin described how it feels to be part of something so much bigger.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity, I never thought that something I was involved in would make it into an Oscar-winning film, particularly three tunes,” said Asselin. “It was pretty special.”

Asselin also plays in a band called The Commotions with his twin brother Brian Asselin.

Brian is the musical director of the band and the music industry arts program coordinator at Algonquin College.

“I am very proud of my brother,” said Brian. “He has taken his music to a whole new level with his drumming. He has always been a huge inspiration for me musically.”

Brian Asselin and Jeff Asselin stand in front of a drum set in a studio at Algonquin College. Photo credit: Ève Bélanger

Brian described his brother’s best quality as “his commitment to his craft.”

Over the years, Brian says he’s been fortunate enough to have played hundreds of gigs with him.

“My brother is one of the most hardworking individuals I know. He takes every opportunity to better himself,” said Brian. “I think it’s why he is so successful in every adventure of his life.”

Asselin is currently focused on creating more sync tracks — music without words.

He hopes to have his sync tracks featured in more movies and TV shows to help them gain greater popularity.

Asselin also has a book coming out called The Rudimental Blueprint. It’s focused on snare drum pedagogy with a situated learning approach to performing drumline snare drum solos.

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Ève Bélanger

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Carney to ask Governor General to dissolve Parliament

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

Nathan Heatherington

Photos:

March 21, 2025
Revised: March 21, 2025 11:24am

Local

CTV News: A 33-year-old man was charged with impaired driving after he was found asleep behind the wheel on Highway 17 at 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

An officer located “what looked to be an abandoned vehicle parked in the passing lanes,” said Ontario Provincial Police.

The vehicle was found between Goshen Road and McCowan Drive.

National

National Post: Mark Carney is expected to ask Governor General Mary Simon for a snap election on March 23, a week after taking over as prime minister.

Parliament was set to return March 24 from prorogation requested by ex-prime minister Justin Trudeau, but may remain dissolved if an election is called.

Liberal MPs were over-hasty sending out email invitations to their “campaign launch” before the announcement of an election.

International

Global News: French authorities are preparing an emergency preparedness manual touching on the possibility of invasion, natural disaster and nuclear war.

The manual will include how to protect yourselves and your peers, how to respond to imminent threats, include a list of emergency numbers, how to defend the community, and where to volunteer for reserve army units. The guide also contains a diagram for a 72-hour survival kit.

This “aims to encourage citizens to develop their resilience in the face of different crises,” a spokesperson for French Prime Minister François Bayrou told CNN on Wednesday.

“This includes natural disasters, technological and cyber incidents, health crises like COVID-19, and security crises like terrorist attacks and armed conflict,” she continued.

This is following suit of countries like Sweden and Denmark. At this time, Canada has not responded if they will be publishing one.

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Mamidosewin Centre encourages college community to Have a Heart

Indigenous children are over-represented in the foster care system and the Have a Heart Day event raised awareness

Skyla Murray

Photos: Skyla Murray

March 21, 2025
Revised: March 21, 2025 10:47am

Photo: Skyla Murray

Summer Wabasse of the Webequie First Nation organized Have a Heart Day at Algonquin College in February.

Mamidosewin Centre held Have a Heart Day on Valentine’s Day, an event designed to bring awareness to the systemic racism faced by Indigenous people in Canada, specifically in the foster care system.

Despite Indigenous children being only seven per cent of Canada’s youth population, they make up 53.8 per cent of the children in foster care, according to Statistics Canada.

Summer Wabasse is an Indigenous woman of Webequie First Nation and one of the organizers behind Have a Heart Day. Wabasse wanted to bring awareness to First Nations youth being over-represented in care.

“Have a Heart Day is a day to advocate for and also spread awareness of the inequalities faced by First Nations children and families. So, we’re here to hopefully raise awareness amongst the college of these gaps and barriers,” said Wabasse.

The over-representation of Indigenous children in foster care has been happening since the 1960s, through an event called the Sixties Scoop. Indigenous children born around this time were removed from their families by social workers, usually without reason and often times without even informing the parents. The children were then placed into foster care or the care of a non-Indigenous family.

“It’s more about the government-specific responsibilities and the systemic discrimination against First Nations people,” said Wabbase.

“So, First Nations child and family services have been given less money, and the resources on reserves have been chronically underfunded. So, when you create all of these systemic barriers and then add intergenerational trauma to the mix, and a lot of racism, we end up being vastly overrepresented in care.”

Students write on paper hearts and tape them to the wall for Have a Heart Day. — Students wrote on paper hearts and taped them to the wall for Have a Heart Day. Photo credit: Skyla Murray

Systemic racism against Indigenous people has been around for a long time, starting with the Indian Act in 1876, and the residential school systems. The Sixties Scoop created a new problem amongst Indigenous people that still persists today in the way Indigenous youth are overrepresented in foster care.

Have a Heart Day started on Feb. 14, 2012. The initiative was created to bring awareness to Indigenous children in foster care, and to advocate for Indigenous rights, and to give Indigenous children the chance to grow up safely at home instead of in the foster system. The event is mainly recognized by sending letters to members of Parliament, making snow bears (bears often symbolize strength, wisdom, and leadership in Indigenous cultures) and making cookies to spread awareness.

At Algonquin College, students wrote on hearts, like “I love you” translated into many different Indigenous languages, and then the paper hearts were taped to a wall.

“As an employee here, I know a lot of our students are former children in care, and as a person, I have a lot of friends who grew up in care, and I know a lot of people that are affected,” said Wabasse.

“It hits very close to home.”

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Students put gaming (and dancing) skills to the test at esports tournament

Algonquin College students prove they have game in FC25, Super Smash Bros. and Just Dance 4

Bradley Richards

Photos: Bradley Richards

March 21, 2025
Revised: March 22, 2025 5:24pm

Photo: Bradley Richards

A contestant in the tournament plays Mario Kart.

As video game consoles were booting up, music from Just Dance 4 started blasting through the Student Commons on March 19.

Gaming stations filled the room from just past the main entrance of E-building all the way to Starbucks, set up for the patiently waiting students eager to test their skills against peers and strangers.

The We Got Game esports tournament had returned to Algonquin College.

“Many of the students are excited about this and have been messaging us for a while. We’re ready to go and ready to give it to them,” said Dave Miller, the owner of We Got Game.

Miller has had a long-standing relationship with Algonquin College going back 12-to-14 years from his estimates. He is also the father of Cianah Miller, an Algonquin College student and athlete on the women’s basketball team.

David Miller (left) and his daughter Cianah Miller making an announcement at the start of the esports event. — Dave Miller (left) and his daughter Cianah Miller make an announcement at the start of the esports event. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

But the tournament isn’t exclusive to Algonquin. We Got Game travels to colleges and universities all across Ontario.

The tournament, which happens once per semester, is marketed to all students with an interest in video games.

“It’s both casual and competitive. We’ve combined the games of FC25 (a soccer game formerly known as FIFA) and Smash (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) to be competitive. But we usually have enough systems for many people to play freely on different games on the PlayStation 5s and the Nintendo Switch,” said Miller

“We have Just Dance 4 set up and we have a bowling competition where you can win Hockey Canada jerseys. So, there is a variety of things for people to play.”

Serin Sam Moncy, a student who signed up to play in the FC25 tournament, attested to how fun the event can be for casual players and competitive ones.

“It’s a good thing, you know. All of these different gamers come together, show off their skills and connect with each other,” said Moncy.

“It’s not about winning. It’s about the excitement.”

Moncy played in the esports tournaments at Algonquin College even before he became a student.

Students also clustered to play Super Smash Bros. against each other.

“It’s fun seeing everybody’s method for the characters,” said Zachary Looman, an Algonquin College student playing with a group of his classmates.

“The infamous Dr. Mario method has really shown to be clutch for Super Smash Bros. It’s pretty fun. you get to see how bad you are at everything. But it’s okay because it’s fun and we have a good time. It’s a good day,” said Looman.

Throughout the five-hour event, there were groups of students stopping to dance along to Just Dance 4 which was set up on a big projector screen.

The first students to show up and start the party were Jessica Pentland and Rhys Demianiuk.

“It’s really fun. I love Just Dance. And I saw Mario Kart, so I really want to try that,” said Pentland.

Alex Mant, a student who was dancing with her friends to songs playing on the Just Dance 4 projector set up in the Student Commons. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

But the casual fun was only the half of it, according to Miller.

“On the competitive side of things, which is the greatest side of things, today, if you win or get top placements, you’ll win a gift card just to say you qualified. Then we usually have two to four qualifiers from each game that come into our main event against all the colleges after exams,” said Miller.

The top qualifiers for Super Smash Bros. and FC25 won $50 GameStop gift cards and will be going on to compete against qualifiers from other Ontario colleges on May 4 in an online tournament with a grand prize of $1,000 for the winner of FC25 and $500 for Super Smash Bros.

At Algonquin College, two qualifiers from each game advanced to the finals. Alex Popa came second in Smash, falling short to Herbert Broderick. In FC25 the winner was Ahmed Barry, with Sahil Yadav coming in as a close second.

“I won here last year but at the final event I lost unfortunately. This year there were way more people, and the competition was way harder than last year,” said Barry.

“But I’m still confident in myself. I play this game a lot. It was quite a bit of fun and a good experience.”

When asked if he thought he would win the main event this year, Barry was confident in his chances at the provincial tournament.

“One hundred per cent, I’m going to win this time for Algonquin,” said Barry.

David Miller (left) posing with the first place qualifier in the FC25 tournament, Ahmed Barry. — Dave Miller (left) posing with the first place qualifier in the FC25 tournament, Ahmed Barry. Photo credit: Bradley Richards

Jason Girard, a close friend of Miller’s who has helped him host We Got Game for the past three years, sees a bright future in the esports events.

“This is an incredible industry. it’s a lot of fun and it’s exciting. I mean, what’s better than showing up to work and playing or watching people play video games? It’s amazing,” said Girard.

“We’re both getting up there in age, but hopefully this will continue for many years. We’ll see where it goes.”

Correction (March 22): Ahmed Barry won the FC25 tournament and Sahil Yadav came in second place. A quote that was previously attributed to Sahil Yadav was actually said by Ahmed Barry.

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Jamie Bramburger leaves a legacy of dedication and community impact

The former Algonquin College interim dean "encompassed all that is good in a person"

Hau Ting Ng

Photos:

March 20, 2025
Revised: March 21, 2025 12:17pm

Jamie Bramburger leaves a lasting impact on education, journalism and community development.

The Algonquin College community is mourning the loss of Jamie Bramburger, the interim dean of the Pembroke waterfront campus, who passed away at the age of 58 on March 11.

His death leaves a profound void in the hearts of his colleagues, students and many others whose lives he touched.

Sarah Hall devoted 16 years to Algonquin College, including serving as the dean of the Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology at the Pembroke campus before her departure in 2024.

“Jamie guides the team at Algonquin towards making those really important connections in the community. He guides us on how to build a bond with our students. He encourages us to recognize that these students are not just names,” Hall said.

Bramburger worked at the Algonquin College Pembroke campus for more than 25 years, most of which he spent as manager of community and student affairs.

Bramburger and his team assisted students in arranging homework help, finding coaches, fostering peer learning and organizing their participation in various events.

“He was focused on making sure that students had a place to live, didn’t go hungry, could get where they needed to go, had access to all of the academic help that they needed and that through that they felt welcomed by our college and also by the community,” Hall said.

“It will be very difficult to fully capture everything Jamie contributed to the college. There are long lists of what he did inside our walls, organizing events and putting in all kinds of different opportunities for students to be successful,” Hall said.

Jamie Bramburger (left) with Karl Soopalu at the 2023 faculty recognition awards ceremony. Photo credit: Kerry Slack

Patricia Lafreniere, a Pembroke city councillor, worked with Bramburger at the local TV station and with the Renfrew County United Way, where he was actively involved with the board.

Lafreniere remembers Bramburger’s volunteer roles in so many aspects of their community.

“Jamie encompassed all that is good in a person. He was nonjudgmental, committed to what was close to his heart, and a valued member of the many groups or organizations he belonged to,” Lafreniere said.

“He was admired by many for his wonderful personality and ability to make people feel at ease.”

Beyond his work in student affairs and community outreach, Bramburger also played a vital role in supporting local media and storytelling initiatives. He promoted social service careers, connected professionals and supported media initiatives.

Jamie Bramburger behind the bench coaching a hockey game during Pembroke’s 2018 Winterfest. Photo credit: Tricia Surette

Bramburger empowered alumni, provided opportunities and offered unwavering encouragement. He leaves a lasting impact on education, journalism and community development.

Holly Molenaar, an Algonquin College Pembroke alumna, was offered by Bramburger a guest speaking opportunity at the college. He expressed praise and support for her podcast and her first in-person workshop with various media representatives present.

“Through this partnered podcast series, he connected me with a diverse group of female alumnae who shared powerful stories and insights into their college programs,” Molenaar said.

“These discussions stand as a testament to Jamie’s dedication to our Pembroke waterfront campus, ensuring that the next generation of women chooses our beautiful community as their school of choice.”

Bramburger genuinely connected with students, listening to their stories and finding the best in everyone. He cared about what brought them to the community and ensured they felt truly welcome.

“Jamie’s legacy — his passion for education, love for journalism and commitment to the community — will endure in the hearts of all who knew him and had the privilege of working alongside him,” Molenaar said.

Bramburger also played a key role in local healthcare recruitment, concentrating on recruiting physicians and doctors.

Carolyn Levesque is the public affairs and communications coordinator for the Pembroke Regional Hospital.

“Jamie was very involved in the local recruitment efforts, trying to find ways to bring healthcare professionals and family doctors to our area and to showcase the community to those individuals who are coming to our area,” Levesque said.

“If we had a doctor coming for a visit to the community, he would work with others to see what we can show these individuals of our community that shows them the essence and the community sense.”

Brambruger was helpful, always thinking beyond his immediate tasks. He was a warm, caring person who was positive about what he was involved in.

“I think he was a shining example of this, and if others in our community follow his lead, it will undoubtedly benefit us for years to come,” Levesque said.

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Holi festival spreads colours and joy on both sides of the fence

Algonquin College's Holi festival met capacity halfway through the event on March 14, but students continued to celebrate both inside and outside of the event

Robyn Lanktree

Photos: Robyn Lanktree

March 20, 2025
Revised: March 20, 2025 9:01am

Photo: Robyn Lanktree

Friends throw colour packets at each other outside the Holi festival event on March 14.

With colour-stained hands, people threw clouds of powdered blue, purple and yellow into the sky next to the Z-building dome on campus. Particles of colour freckled people’s hair and faces. The wind carried coloured clouds through the event’s fence, blotting the chainlink barrier with green.

Interrupting the music and laughter was a message delivered through a bullhorn: the Holi festival had reached maximum capacity. Nobody else was getting inside until more people came out.

Asheeka Hakkim entered the event earlier in the day and came back later to enjoy it with friends.

But they never made it back inside.

“For Holi, you have to enjoy it with every single person you know. I may not know other people here, but if they’re here, we enjoy it together,” said Hakkim behind a smiling face covered in yellow powder.

“It’s not fun if half of us is outside, half of us inside.”

The two-hour Holi festival was a celebration of colour hosted by Algonquin College on March 14.

Holi is a Hindu festival of colours celebrated on the last full moon of Phalgun, the last lunar month in the Hindu Calendar. The celebration marks the end of winter, the triumph of good over evil and welcomes spring. Each colour used can represent its own meaning: red symbolizes love, green is for new beginnings and blue represents the God Krishna.

People toss powdered green colours on each other while dancing inside the Holi festival event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree

The event was a hit. A line formed with people waiting for their chance to get in.

Clouds of smoke filled the air and powder mixed with the snow on the ground. Students inside the fenced venue walked over streams of blue, red, green and purple. They danced to the music of DJ Sutra and live performances by the Algonquin College Ghar Club. They held packages of powdered colour mix, either tossing the powder or using the colour on their hands to paint each other’s faces.

For those inside the event, Holi was a day of dance and spreading colours.

“You throw colours at everyone to make everyone the same colour like Krishna did to Radha and her friends,” said Diya Bajpai, explaining the meaning behind Holi. “You play music, you have fun. It’s something where, no matter who, like strangers and everyone all just have fun together.”

People dancing inside the Holi festival event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree

For both Bajpai and her friend Jorja Patterson, this was their first time celebrating Holi. After getting their colour packets inside the fenced event, Bajpai and Patterson began throwing their colours at each other before joining other people, offering a “Happy Holi” as music and beating drums played.

“I’ve always wanted to do it because I’m Indian but I’ve never experienced the full festival of Holi, just at home in the snow,” said Bajpai happily. “This is really good, really good.”

Diya Bajpai and Jorja Patterson smile after their time inside the Holi festival on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree

The music filled the fenced-off venue and the sounds trailed off to the people waiting in line, which reached the parking lot.

The celebration didn’t stop for the dozens of people waiting outside the fence.

Students and friends filled the air with laughter, throwing colour packets while waiting. Groups of people took photos, sang along with the few words of songs that they could hear, lightly tossed colour-stained tufts of snow over the fence and spray-painted each other’s clothing.

Friends spray paint each other's backs outside the Holi festival event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree

Holi is about community, and the community can’t be removed from festivals with bouncers — or fences. So, Hakkim took the celebration into her own hands.

“I brought the colours with us so that they could have a little colour on them. They could put some happiness in it,” said Hakkim, surrounded by her group of friends who were covered in clouds of green, purple, yellow and blue.

Asheeka Hakkim (middle) smiles with her group of friends outside the Holi event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree

Vishesh Kumar also wasn’t able to get into the event. “The queue is so long,” said Kumar 20 minutes before the event’s conclusion. Despite not getting in, Kumar was happy Algonquin College hosted an event in the first place.

“I’m seeing it for the first time and it’s very great,” said Kumar. “I like the way the college is celebrating our festival, so I appreciate that and I hope everyone likes the hospitality from the college.”

Friends smile together while covered in coloured powder outside the Holi event on March 14. Photo credit: Robyn Lanktree

Everyone on the inside and outside of the Holi festival’s fence aimed to spread joy to old friends and new people with every cloud of colour they threw.

For Sona Benny, her first time participating in the event was largely spent outside with her friends, all covered in bright colours. Despite staying outside the fence, her expectations for the day never dimmed.

“It’s just (about) happiness and the things we share with everyone,” said Benny.

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Robyn Lanktree

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Israel ends ceasefire in Gaza with deadly airstrike

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

Ernest Ko

Photos:

March 19, 2025
Revised: March 19, 2025 9:09pm

Local

CTV: The City of Ottawa collected 45,328 red light camera tickets in 2024, the fewest in five years.

Those 45,328 tickets were less than 2023’s 56,475 tickets and 2022’s 45,723. It was the fewest number of tickets since 2020, when the COVID-19-mandated quarantine meant fewer cars were on the road.

Of the most-ticketed intersections, Wellington Street at St. Patrick Street collected 3,000 tickets, while multiple King Edward Avenue lights issued considerable amounts.

In January 2025, almost 3,000 Ottawa drivers were made to pay the $325 fine.

National

Financial Post: New developments are surfacing regarding Hudson Bay closures after it asked courts to seek protection from creditors through the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act on March 7.

Founded in 1670, the historic company has been financially struggling in recent years. But with continued market pressures, changes in shopping habits and the ongoing trade war, the Canadian company says it’s facing “signfiicant challenges.”

Originally, Hudson’s Bay sought to simply restructure, but with no financial lifeline in sight, many are speculating that they will be forced to liquidate all products and property.

However, the order allowing Hudson’s Bay to begin its liquidation plan still remains with an Ontario court, while landlords and creditors like RioCan are demanding that the company pay its dues.

International

CBC News: More than 400 Palestinians were killed on Tuesday after Israeli airstrikes pommeled Gaza, forcibly terminating the two-month ceasefire with Hamas.

A statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Hamas of failing to release all Israeli hostages, while rejecting U.S.-led proposals for peace.

The strikes targeted various locations in Gaza at a time when many were observing Ramadan.

Rabiha Jamal, a mother in Gaza City, described it as a “night of hell,” striking while many were beginning to break their fast.

These strikes have been condemned by others, including Egypt, Turkey and Russia.

News

Ernest Ko

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Ernest Ko

PR program marks 40 years with charity campaign for Rideauwood

The public relations program is running seven fundraising events while honouring its late founder, Claudine Wilson

Hau Ting Ng

Photos: Hau Ting Ng

March 18, 2025
Revised: March 24, 2025 10:29am

Photo: Hau Ting Ng

Algonquin College public relations students launch the Hope on the Horizon campaign in the Algonquin Student Commons.

The Algonquin College public relations program is running a charity campaign called Hope on the Horizon to raise funds for the Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. The campaign started in 1984 and is celebrating 40 remarkable years.

Pyper Waldroff, a public relations student, said this year’s campaign has a special meaning.

The students are honouring the founder of the public relations program, Claudine Wilson, who taught advertising at Algonquin College before founding the public relations program in 1984. She worked for more than 30 years until her retirement in 2008. She passed away on Aug. 4, 2024.

Every year, public relations students organize a campaign to raise funds and awareness for local charities. The idea is to practise their PR skills while giving back to the community. Through this student-led event, they have raised nearly $600,000 for local charities since 1985.

“We can help people who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues by providing whatever we can to assist in recovery,” said Nicholas Gauthier-Barber, the campaign executive lead.

The campaign includes seven fundraising events held from March 14 to April 3. These events range from an afternoon tea and board game gathering to a thrift shop sale, culminating in an open mic and artist alley showcase.

Algonquin College public relations students are hosting an 80s Night event to raise funds for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. — Algonquin College public relations students are hosting an '80s Night event to raise funds for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services. Photo credit: Hau Ting Ng

This year’s campaign raises funds for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services, a non-profit organization based in Ottawa which helps those facing mental health and addiction challenges.

Hope on the Horizon also offers a chance for alumni of the PR program to reconnect. The public relations students are organizing two events, ’80s Night and the Ruby Reception, to commemorate 40 years of community fundraising.

Lara Mills, professor of the public relations program, described the reason for the event.

“It is an opportunity for us to bring together current students and program alumni for a reunion, as well as a great chance for our current students to network with professionals in the industry and to honour our program’s founder,” said Mills.

“The project shines a light on how Ontario college programs contribute to the communities they serve in very, very tangible ways.”

The public relations team aims to raise $10,000 for Rideauwood’s important addiction and mental health initiatives and to expand the campaign by engaging more individuals through social media.

Algonquin College public relations students launch their campaign in the Algonquin Student Commons. Photo credit: Hau Ting Ng

Felipe Higuera is the secretary for the Spring Clean for the Cause event team.

“Our main goal is to raise awareness,” said Higuera. “As long as people understand that this is a solution, we offer a way to receive support. That’s what matters most to us.”

Visit the campaign web page for more event information.

Correction, March 20: The public relations program has raised nearly $600,000 for local charities since 1985. An incorrect year previously appeared.

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