As the school stress sets in, you can help yourself relax with a massage while also helping out a student in need. The massage clinic on campus is offering half price massages throughout November in exchange for a food donation. Finals are just around the corner and this can be a stressful time for many. However for some students, their stress goes beyond just balancing studies. Financial difficulties may make putting food on their table difficult, which is why Lethbridge College’s massage therapy clinic is teaming up with the students’ association for a food drive.
“We’ve been in operation for a number of years,” said Rosemary Shannon, the massage therapy clinic program coordinator. She explains why they chose to help out with a food drive. “This year we decided that we would like to give back to the college community. We chose to do the drive in the month of November in anticipation of the Christmas hamper needs.”
Jim Manzara, a member of the massage therapy faculty, has been in the program since it began. He believes the food drive will really help out students in need. “It will also help students who have stress and haven’t thought about getting a massage yet, to not only get a massage, but to help out other students who are in need as well,” he said.
Andrea Zwaagstra, a second year massage therapy student, thinks it’s a great idea to do the food drive. “It’s giving something back to the student community, because otherwise the funds just go back into the college administration,” she said. “So if half of it’s going to feed students, I think that’s fantastic!”
All kinds of non-perishable items are accepted. Things like canned goods and dry cereals are ideal. Shannon also says personal hygiene products are good but many people don’t think of it. “Things like body washes, toothpaste, toothbrushes and soaps, those sorts of things.”
Shannon said that appointments are recommended if students want to get a massage. “Some drop-ins are available, but it’s much better if you can pick a time that works for you. You can phone in and schedule the appointment at your convenience,” she said.
The massage clinic is open from Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be booked by calling (403) 329-7274. Massage costs are based on time, and range from $15 to $45 before the discount.
If you just want to make a donation to the food bank, you can stop by the LCSA office. Angela Fretts, the LCSA Administrative Assistant, says the food bank is open year-round. “We fill hampers based on family size,” she said. “If a student is in need, they can come by the LCSA and fill out a short application form.” She explains that any student is eligible whether they have a family or not. If they are unable to make financial ends meet and need assistance with food, the LCSA food bank will help.
