For over a year, Algonquin College’s Food Cupboard has been receiving a fraction of the supplies once delivered by the Ottawa Food Bank due to the rising prices of food.
Abby Muir, coordinator of the college’s Food Cupboard in B102, said the supplies the Food Cupboard received from deliveries were cut in half in January 2025.
The Food Cupboard is an Algonquin Students’ Association-run service meant to discreetly provide students facing food insecurity the supplies they need.
Despite the slash in supply, the Ottawa Food Bank still supports local food banks and food cupboards in any way it can.
“We receive weekly deliveries from the Ottawa Food Bank which is very nice,” Muir said during an interview in the Food Cupboard. “It stocks most of what you see here.”
The Food Cupboard’s services have felt the effects of the decreased supply from the larger food bank, though.
“We used to order milk and eggs but now we’re having to try different ways to get what people need,” Muir said. “We’ve tried cutting egg cartons in half, only giving six at a time.”
According to Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount 2025, food bank usage across Canada has doubled since 2019.
Ottawa Food Bank’s numbers tell the same story.
“The Ottawa Food Bank works with nearly 100 community and emergency food programs across the city,” said Alex Noreau, advocacy and policy officer at the Ottawa Food Bank. “The entire network has seen a sharp rise in demand.”
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, 588,866 visits were made to the Ottawa Food Bank, Noreau said.
The Food Cupboard is one of the many community and emergency food programs the Ottawa Food Bank supports.
With the network being as expansive as it is, Noreau said the Ottawa Food Bank feels every cent of the rising price of food.
The Ottawa Food Bank had a budget of over $32 million in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
“Ninety-nine per cent of this funding comes from community donations and support (and) one per cent from the City of Ottawa,” Noreau said.
As a result of the limited amount of resources, coupled with the increased demand for food, the Ottawa Food Bank has had to stretch its budget to “ensure that food remained accessible across the entire network,” Noreau said.
In addition to the weekly shipments from the Ottawa Food Bank, the SA’s Food Cupboard relies on the college community for support, Muir said.
The Food Cupboard often receives these donations through events held on-campus.
“We have quite a few programs to support the cupboard across the college,” Muir said. “The life drawing initiative is a good example. They’ve been a long-standing program that donates to the food cupboard since before I began.
“We also have our Feed the Pack games with our varsity teams. We collect donations on those specific games. It’s one of our more consistent ways of getting donations.”
The Students’ Association hopes to up the ante in the fight against food insecurity.
“We also have Fresh for $5,” Muir said. “We’re trying to do that once a month where it’s $5 for a fresh bag of fruits and veggies.”
Muir said the Fresh for $5 events have been extremely successful.
The event started at 11 a.m. and was meant to last until 1 p.m. It sold out in half an hour.
“We’re trying to find more creative ways besides just the Food Cupboard service to address food insecurity,” Muir said. “One of those ways in which we’re doing it is with our SA thrift store — which we try to host once every semester — because it’s not just food that’s expensive. Everything is.”
Algonquin College public relations students transformed Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club into a lively speakeasy-style fundraiser on April 10, supporting the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) and its newcomer programs.
The event unfolded in a warm and energetic atmosphere as guests gradually filled the venue. The Blind Tiger Duo set the tone early and carried the evening with lively jazz performances, featuring guitarist Bruce Wozny and saxophonist Bruce Eveleigh.
Their jazz music contributed to a relaxed and welcoming environment, helping guests settle into the speakeasy-inspired atmosphere and encouraging friendly interaction throughout the night.
Co-organizer Sharon Mwepu said the team’s months of preparation were quickly rewarded by the strong turnout, noting that “we were a little bit anxious, but with the steady flow of people and the positive atmosphere, we began to feel relieved.”
Organizers said the campaign not only supports OCISO’s efforts to promote integration and a sense of belonging for immigrants, but also gives students practical experience in event planning, media relations and community outreach.
“This is, in fact, an Algonquin College event that aims to foster relationships between academia and the community,” said the co-organizer Jalila Ouraieth. “This campaign helps students practise their PR skills and allows future graduates to gain a better understanding of community challenges.”
The evening was marked by a series of speakers whose stories offered moments of reflection and connection.
Hanady Rahme, a fashion designer who arrived in Canada in 2013 from Lebanon, shared an emotional reflection on her journey of rebuilding her life after immigration.
She outlined the importance of supporting organizations that help newcomers find stability and belonging.
“As an immigrant, I understand how important it is to support organizations like OCISO, which provide the means and skills for newcomers so they can feel part of Canada and proudly call it home,” Rahme said.
She also took the opportunity to acknowledge Algonquin College, highlighting how the community and justice services program she completed there played a key role in supporting her integration.
Wondewesson Baheru, a spiritual care provider who arrived in Canada in 2009 from Ethiopia, also spoke about the challenges of starting over in a new country and the opportunities Canada has offered him.
He credited OCISO for playing a key role in his transition.
“I immigrated to Canada as a skilled worker but I had to start from scratch. I found the necessary support in OCISO. They gave me the skills I needed, like how to write a Canadian résumé and how to apply for jobs,” Baheru said.
The importance of community support in helping newcomers rebuild their lives was echoed by Beth Macgillivray, a council member of Faith Ottawa Lutheran Church, who said OCISO’s support extends far beyond individual newcomers, noting that “the benefits of OCISO reach every community, even the church I am part of. It actually enriches our lives.”
Throughout the night, attendees responded positively to both the performances and the personal stories, with many describing the event as uplifting, engaging and meaningful.
Leza Alwan, an immigrant from Yemen and freelance life coach, said the event created a valuable space for connection, describing it as “an opportunity to open up to Canadian society and a chance for networking.”
Meliva Zapfack, a newcomer from Cameroon, said she appreciated the welcoming environment throughout the evening, calling it “a nice vibe” and adding that it is “always good to meet new people,” while noting that the event also helped her learn from the experiences and challenges shared by others in the community.
As the night continued, guests participated in a silent auction featuring books, clothing and games, contributing to the fundraising efforts while engaging in conversation and enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
Organizers said the fundraiser successfully met its goals, with the strong community response adding to the sense of accomplishment felt by the student team after weeks of preparation.
“The outcome reflected the dedication of everyone involved. I feel really happy with our event,” said Sarah Okusanya, who emceed the evening. “Everything went according to plan, and everybody on the team did a great job.”
Volunteer Erin Chappel said the experience was both enjoyable and rewarding, adding that “we had a great time. We raised a significant amount of money for OCISO, and that’s what matters most.”
As the evening came to a close, organizers reflected on the sense of pride and connection created by the event.
“We are really excited with how everything turned out. Seeing people enjoy the night and support the cause made all the hard work worth it,” said Mwepu.
Algonquin College’s Technology Project Showcase on April 10 in the ACCE building was the first time different programs presented together. Previously, individual programs had separate showcases.
The event was massive, covering the entire bottom floor of the ACCE building in projects. The variety was immense. From wildfire drones to cultural event planning websites, there was something for everyone.
“These are projects that students have either worked on for one or two terms,” said Jenn Lexmond, the lead operator for the event.
“I’m excited to see the ones that are outside of the school of advanced technology, like game development and all that… they’ve made a video game as well,” Lexmond said prior to the event.
One of the projects, Operation Phoenix, was a virtual reality drone game designed to serve in wildfires. Developers built a chair specifically for the controls, made a virtual map and designed gameplay simulating how their project would work in real life.
Team member David Cottin said the map they use to simulate the gameplay is based on Jasper National Park’s record-breaking wildfire season in 2024.
Another project at the showcase was created by students in the electrical technology program, which automated the distillation process for a client.
“We fitted a homemade still with temperature sensors, connected those sensors to a microcontroller and programmed the microcontroller so it automatically controls a heated coil, which basically creates a closed loop autonomous system,” said Mike Kelly, one of the team members of the distillation control system.
Most groups were happy with the attention they received from visitors, but it was more than just a fun showcase. It was also a competition.
“We have 68 judges circulating from the industries and college, a big community, and they’re going to be scoring them,” Lexmond said.
Anaya Ramesh, one of the judges, was scouting talent for the government.
“I’m here to see who’s creative, who’s very passionate about technology and innovation because we’re trying to build that at the National Defence,” said Ramesh.
Judges voted on the winning projects, which received awards at the end of the event.
Local
CTV News: Water levels along the Ottawa River are rising quickly because of recent rain and melting.
Officials say flooding could get much worse by the weekend.
Some areas are already seeing minor flooding and people living nearby are being warned to stay prepared because conditions could change fast.
National
CTV News: A Canadian grandfather who was deported from the U.S. and held in a detention centre nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” has now returned to Canada.
He described the conditions as very difficult and his experience is raising new concerns about how detainees are treated in American facilities.
International
BBC News: New satellite images of major destruction in parts of southern Lebanon show the scale of Israeli demolitions.
Entire sections of villages have been flattened.
The images show how much damage has been done to civilian areas as tensions in the region continue.
The Coast2Culture Cultural Showcase on April 9 in the Observatory had public relations students celebrating local talent while raising funds for the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO).
There were balloons scattered around the room, a busy bar and an active silent auction as people laughed, chatted and cheered.
Several Culture2Culture campaign events were run by the college’s public relations program in support of OCISO.
The funds will support OCISO services and the fundraising campaign teaches people about the challenges newcomers face.
Public relations students worked hard to make this event, and six others, possible. OCISO is grateful for everything the students put into their cause.
“They’ve been amazing,” said Donnielle Roman, an OCISO employee. “Just the turnout that we’ve been getting, the passion that they put into putting all of the activities together.”
Everyone in the public relations program worked hard behind the scenes, sorting everything out to organize this event. They got to know each other and faced challenges by turning the event into a great experience for themselves and those around them.
“Being first-time event hosters, we need to work together as a team, and not by ourself,” said Anton, a public relations student. “Getting to know all the sponsors, singers and people from OCISO is important as well. It’s been a really fun experience.”
Savannah Negari is a student in the public relations program who also performed at the event.
“I think it’s truly important to showcase that immigrants come to the city with more than just struggles and things to learn,” Negari said.
“They come with a skillset, a culture that really diversifies the community that we have here. Me coming here and singing as a first-generation immigrant, knowing that my parents had to enter this society, and did so successfully….I think it’s beautiful to be able to showcase my talent, and what can come out of the immigrants that come to our city.”
For many students, finding the right place to study on campus isn’t always straightforward.
Some are still getting familiar with the campus and haven’t fully explored all the spaces available to them. But between classes, long commutes and packed schedules, having a reliable study spot can make a big difference.
For Jenna Bailey and Cameron McSherry, both in the music industry arts program, the first floor hallway desks in the N-building are a go-to.
“I like this spot because all my classes are in N and all my people are there,” Bailey said.
The space leans more social than silent, which can be a benefit or a distraction.
“Could be either one depending on the time of day,” McSherry said.
With a steady flow of students passing through, the noise level tends to sit around medium to high.
Despite the noise, the atmosphere is part of what makes the space appealing.
“I like all the people I meet in N-building and seeing the cool stuff people get up to in other programs,” McSherry said.
Still, the spot isn’t without its downsides.
“I don’t like the fact there’s only one outlet in the hallway,” Bailey said.
For students looking for a more focused setting, the computer lab in the T-building offers a different experience.
Olivier Storey, an electromechanical engineering technician student, said it’s his main study space.
“It’s conveniently near most of my classes, and I often have access to a computer whenever I need one,” he said.
Compared to the N-building hallway, the lab is more geared toward concentration. Access to specialized software is another benefit.
“I like the easy access to the school’s applications, such as Automation Studios, SolidWorks, Multisim,” Storey said.
Storey uses the space for a wide range of tasks, from lab prep to project work.
“This ranges from setting up circuits for my upcoming labs to coming up with elevator pitches for business ideas,” he said. Storey described the space as “accessible”.
Beyond traditional study areas, some students are starting to take advantage of spaces designed for rest. Campus sleep pods, located on the second floor of E-building, offer a quiet place to recharge during long days, with built-in privacy features that allow students to take a break without distractions.
It was a welcome homecoming for the Ottawa 67’s on April 14 as they returned to TD Place for Game 3 of their second-round series against the Barrie Colts with a loud crowd behind them.
Ottawa won 5-2, bouncing back after losing the first two games in Barrie.
There was great tempo early from both teams and both had sustained pressure in offensive zone, trading attacks in the first 10 minutes of the game.
For a third straight game it was Barrie scoring first as Calvin Crombie broke in all alone after a thread pass from Cole Beaudoin and beat Ryder Fetterolf top glove side, putting some panic in the 67’s.
Barrie heavily outshot Ottawa in the first period 18-7 and you could feel the grip they had on the game.
Ottawa was able to bait Barrie into two penalties leading to a five-on-three power-play, which saw them cash in with a goal from Frankie Marrelli, his second of the playoffs, who blew the puck by Ben Hrebik to tie the game.
Ottawa broke the tie when Thomas Vandenberg got time and space and beat Ben Hrebik for his fourth of the playoffs on the low blocker side.
You could feel the game switch into Ottawa’s hands and they grabbed a hold of the momentum. They scored again in the second period with another power-play goal as Cooper Foster received a cross-ice pass from Jasper Kuhta and made no mistake for his third of the playoffs, beating an already down-and-out Ben Hrebik to extend Ottawa’s lead to two with 22 seconds left in the second period.
Spencer Bowes capitalized on a mini breakaway for his fourth of the playoffs putting the 67’s up 4-1 just over four minutes into the third period.
Barrie’s Ben Wilmott potted his third of the series as he stepped in from the left circle had time and put it post and in past Ryder Fetterolf to cut the lead to 4-2.
Nic Sima beat Barrie down the ice with the empty net and put the game to rest.
Ryder Fetterolf stopped 36 of 38 and was phenomenal in the net.
67’s forward Spencer Bowes said the team has adapted to Barrie’s system, especially in Game 3.
“Just keep playing our game, like we’ve been able to score some goals, not too many but in the o-zone, just keep trusting each other and we’ll figure it out,” said Bowes.
67’s veteran defenceman Frankie Marrelli was glad to see the results of tightening up defensively in Game 3.
“I think the forwards are great in the neutral zone, kind of slowing down their forward chec., I think Fetty’s been making great saves all series long and helped save us when we needed it,” said Marrelli.
67’s veteran forward Nic Sima said special teams finally were rewarded with two power-play goals, while Ottawa stayed out of the penalty box.
“They have a good kill, they have obviously Beaudoin and they work hard. I thought our power-play did a great job of moving it around and using our skill. We were able to get two there which was huge and it’s such a huge part of the game,” said Sima.
Game 4 goes April 16 at TD Place.
Algonquin College students from the public relations program hosted a charity trivia event on April 7 in support of the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO).
The fundraiser was at Cassette Listening Bar at 2557 Baseline Rd. Over 100 people attended the lively event.
Simon Delgaty, one of the PR students, was impressed by the huge turnout.
“We’re super thankful to our sponsors and super thankful to everybody who participated,” Simon said.
Erin Chappel is another PR student who helped conduct the event.
Chappel said the PR program does a charity campaign in each Level 2. This term’s Culture2Culture campaign is helping OCISO.
The Culture2Culture campaign is a student-led charity and awareness campaign in which PR students design, manage and execute a real-world public relations campaign for a community cause. The name Culture2Culture reflects the campaign’s core values, which are respect, inclusion, equity and openness.
OCISO, the beneficiary of this event, is a non-profit, community-based organization in Ottawa supporting immigrants and refugees as they settle into life in Canada. It was founded in 1978 and serves about 10,000 newcomers each year in over 50 languages. OCISO provides a wide range of services, settlement services (such as housing, healthcare and education), language instruction, mental health counselling, job searching, youth programs and community connections.
In its 48 years of existence, OCISO has proven to be invaluable to newcomers navigating the challenges of their new life in Canada.
The event was so packed people had to gather chairs from neighbouring establishments. The spirit was one of pure joy and excitement. The elegant use of coloured dim lighting enhanced the atmosphere’s charm.
At one point, the excitement of the crowd erupted into a loud and cheerful sing-along of one of the many retro songs that were featured throughout the night. The event generated so much enthusiasm and energy that many participants stayed beyond the closing time of 10 p.m.
“The vibe tonight has been really electric. Everyone’s having a lot of fun, people are getting really into it. The MC is doing really well, he’s properly getting people revved up,” said Milly Hogan, another public relations student.
Chappel said the event raised over $600 for OCISO.
