Camosun’s school of business is teaching empathy and the gift of giving this week.
A group of 27 students enrolled in the hospitality management program at Camosun College are preparing a two-course lunch to feed up to 300 people in need.
They are teaming up with Our Place Society to learn about the importance of giving back to their community and its vulnerable populations.
“After a two-year break due to the pandemic, it feels good to start working again with Our Place,” explains Bradford Boisvert, an instructor in the Hospitality Management program with the School of Business.
“Students will plan, organize and serve lunch as part of a lesson in the importance of social responsibility, using hospitality as a vehicle.”
The hospitality management program has been teaming up with Our Place Society since 2011 before pausing the partnership in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lunch will consist of bangers and mash as well as coffee cake. Food will be served by the students at Our Place Society on Pandora Street, November 10th at noon.
“Our Place is reliant on community partners such as Camosun for many of the services and supports we offer to some of Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable populations,” said Julian Daly, Chief Executive Officer of Our Place.
“In addition to a tasty lunch, hopefully, the lesson learned in social responsibility continues throughout the students’ careers.”
Hospitality Management students at #Camosun are learning about the importance of giving back to the local community by preparing a two-course lunch for up to 300 neighbours in need at @ourplacesociety.
Learn more: https://t.co/5MNSinS1AL pic.twitter.com/s53fNedDdI
— Camosun College (@Camosun) November 9, 2022
The hospitality management program has been running for nearly 40 years at Camosun College and it has always intended to teach its students applied skills they need in the industry along with a community based perspective.
They learn to cook, serve, supervise and run a restaurant through the Lansdowne campus’ Dunlop House. Unlike the culinary program at Camosun which focuses on just cooking, the hospitality management takes a broader look at the restaurant and event planning industry.
“The hands-on approach and all of the different opportunities to practice different real-world roles is challenging but I feel will prepare me for a career after I graduate,” says Hospitality Management student Kaitlyn Simons.
“Giving back to the community is important to me and giving a sense of hope and belonging to our neighbours in need is part of who I want to be in my career.”
