More than 430 costumed Trick or Eaters went knocking door to door to collect non-perishable food items last Saturday, as a part of the annual food drive.
Donations went to the Fredericton Food Bank and the campus food bank.
Organizers estimate about 15 tons of food were collected this year.
Coordinator Emily Bosse said participation increased by more than 100 students this year.
“I think it went very well,” she said. “From the looks of it we collected more than last year.”
In 2008 STU collected 10 tons of food, placing second to Guelph University.
The official total for this year wasn’t available at press time.
Bosse said, “The drive wouldn’t have been possible without the help of volunteers.”
“My planning committee, 14 students who met every week and staff and faculty, they were all fabulous,” she said.
She’s also grateful to the students who participated, and the community members who donated food.
Kady McDonnell is a third-year student at STU, and this is also her third year participating in the event. She says she keeps coming back because helping her community is important.
“The best part is collecting food and helping others,” she said, “but getting dressed-up is a good time too.”
Adam Wright is one of the organizers. He says the event is a great way to celebrate Halloween.
“We get to pass door to door and be kids, but at the same time we’re doing something extremely good, which is the responsible and adult thing to do,” said Wright. “It’s a genius idea, really.”
Trick or Eat is organized by Meal Exchange, a charitable organization started by students and now operating all across Canada. Their goals are not only to collect food and donations for charities, but also to educate students about hunger in their local communities.
