OISE launches relief drive to support Caribbean communities in rebuilding efforts

The OISE community extends its heartfelt support to the people of Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and communities across the Caribbean as they courageously face Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record. To our community members with friends, family, and colleagues throughout the affected Caribbean nations, we are with you with steadfast support and strength during this challenging time. 

OISE Dean Erica Walker and the Alumni Association are organizing a community donation drive to collect new and unused essential items to support communities across the Caribbean as they rebuild and recover. 

The community is encouraged to drop brand new and unused items in the OISE Lobby by the security desk starting today. The bins should be accessible during building operating hours: 

• Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• All items must be new and can include non-perishable food, batteries (AA, AAA, D), flashlights, pillows & pillowcases, heavy-duty garbage bags, hygiene kits, ice packs and thermometers. Our donation bin will be located in the lobby until the end of day on November 27.

The following resources are available for the OISE community as we navigate this challenging time:

• Our OISE Wellness hub has links to mental health resources and academic supports for our community members.
   
• U of T students abroad, both Canadian and international citizens, can find resources here: learningabroad.utoronto.ca/safety-abroad/in-an-emergency.
   
• Please see the Caribbean Studies Student Union's Instagram posts with info about the hurricane in the Caribbean and how you can help: instagram.com/carssuoft.
   
• Faculty, staff and librarians may contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program at 1-855-597-2110.