By Curtis Sim
Editor, the Gauntlet,
The Faculty of Engineering recently held the Loonie Walk, an annual event that raises money for a local charity, Calgary Urban Project Society. Approximately 20 University of Calgary Engineering students set out on a cross-campus odyssey in hopes of reaching the goal of $1,200 in one hour.
Throughout our trip, we ran into many generous people more than willing to help out the less fortunate. We thank those that took 15 seconds out of their day to throw in a quarter, loonie or even the few spare dimes they had. Granted, money can be scarce for students, but chances are there are some people that need the two dollars you’re about to spend on a Pepsi more than you do.
What disappointed us the most is that some refused to donate spare change solely on the basis that Engineers were doing the event. Engineers may be known for their rowdiness and over-exuberance and we may be the least liked faculty on campus, but that is no excuse to not donate to a good cause. The fact of the matter is we don’t see Social Science, Biology, Fine Arts, Science, Kinesiology or Education interrupting our classes for charity. Note that the faculties of Management and Nursing were by far the most generous.
So how many of you are guilty of voting the group of Engineers out of your class on the Loonie Walk? Are you just oblivious to the fact we are trying to help out the less fortunate, or are you too ignorant to realize that? And while you’re being ignorant, check out www.cupsheathcentre.com and see who you didn’t help out. See which children won’t receive proper medical attention, or the families that won’t have eaten a turkey dinner many of us enjoy the luxury of feasting upon.
We therefore challenge the rest of U of C to charity drive. We want to see other faculties raising money or doing something worthwhile for once. We are holding a Blood Drive in March titled Engineers vs. U of C. We expect to win because of apathy of general lack of caring. So surprise us, raise more blood than us. Because when it comes down to it, we’re just trying to help out the less fortunate.