Chartwells supports NSCC students

In the photo (L-R): Don Bureaux, President, NSCC; NSCC Student Association Presidents Akash Pandey (Ivany Campus), Krista Holland-Guy (IT Campus) and Mike Pinkney (Truro Campus); and Ashton Sequeira, President at Compass Group, Chartwells’ parent company.

$500,000 investment in NSCC’s Urgent Aid Fund helps students in need access food

Chartwells, a member of Compass Group Canada, is contributing $500,000 to Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)’s Urgent Aid Fund via Make Way – The Campaign for NSCC to help students in need access food.

"Students sometimes find themselves facing unanticipated financial challenges that may affect their ability to remain in school," says Don Bureaux, NSCC President. "They may have nowhere else to turn. Our Urgent Aid Fund is there to help them address those challenges and get back on track."

Over five academic years, beginning in 2018-2019, the Chartwells’ contribution will provide meal vouchers or swipe cards that can be used in Chartwells’ dining halls, and through grocery-store gift cards for use off-campus. The cards will support students in urgent need of food relief as they continue their NSCC journey.

Student success

NSCC Student Association Presidents Akash Pandey (Ivany Campus), Krista Holland-Guy (IT Campus) and Mike Pinkney (Truro Campus) ceremoniously accepted the investment on behalf of the students of their campuses. Katelyne Keddy, SA President at Kingstec Campus, was unable to attend.

“Nutrition and access to healthy food plays a vital role in student success,” says Akash. “With this investment, students at these campuses will be better able to respond to food insecurity and concentrate on their studies.”

In addition to Ivany and Kingstec Campus, Chartwells also provides food services at the Institute of Technology Campus and Truro Campus.

Krista adds, “The stigma associated with using services such as on-campus food banks can keep students from accessing much-needed support. Chartwells’ investment has created another avenue for students to get through unforeseen, tough times.”

During the announcement, Ashton Sequeira, President at Compass Group, Chartwells’ parent company, shared that, as a young person, he entered the workforce without finishing school due to a lack of funds and is therefore acutely aware of the importance of keeping students in their academic studies.

“As the food service provider at four NSCC campuses, we see firsthand the considerable obstacles faced by some students, and we know that with a bit of help, they can overcome these barriers.”