1) Ice cream day

            Being one of Orphan Run’s first events in September, Ice Cream Day is a great way for people to learn more about this charity club from the very beginning of the school year. Baskin Robbins sponsors tubs of ice cream in a variety of delicious flavours and cones are sold to ice-cream-loving students all over campus. As with every event, all proceeds are donated to charity and this year we raised over $300!

 

2) Water for hope 

            In the summer of 2010, over 20 million people were affected by the massive flood in Pakistan. Orphan Run was quick to respond and we hosted Water for Hope where students purchased a “water droplet” with their name on it. The water droplets were glued on a huge banner that hang outside the student centre and had a gigantic water jug drawn on it The water droplets and jug represented the desperate need for clean water by millions of people in Pakistan. With this event, Orphan Run raised over $700!

 

3) Orphan awareness day 

            This event is one of our most important since it allows students to learn more about our charity and what we do. Although there are a lot of fun games such as Tug-of-War between clubs on campus, it is also a very serious event. During Orphan Awareness Day, we have a lot of posters, facts, statistics, etc. where students can see how severe the lack of orphan help really is. Many people don’t know that there are over 40 million orphans worldwide who desperately need our help. At Orphan Awareness Day, we lay out all the facts for you; it’s up to you to decide if you want to do something about it!  

             

4) Write a letter to an Orphan Day

            This event was one of our most sentimental and emotional events to date. This year, SOS Children’s Village gave us the profiles of 5 orphans from Palestine and Pakistan who currently reside in their shelters. Although we haven’t yet heard from them, it was an eye-opener to learn more about these young children while reading their profiles. It was a great way to connect with the orphans we sponsored on a more personal level. We really hope we hear from them soon!

           

5) Toy drive 

            Many of us had toys we always played with when we were younger. Although we may not admit it now, I’m sure some of us still have very fond memories of playing with our dolls, cars, Pokémon cards, and many other toys. Unfortunately, there are many children who aren’t lucky enough to afford toys. During the holiday break, Orphan Run had donation boxes in the Student Centre where students could donate used toys and clothes for children in adoption centres. This year, we chose to give our donations to the Children’s Aid Society in Toronto.

 

7 ) Pie in the face Auction 

            One of our most fun events of the year, the Pie in the Face Auction is a great way to get back at your friends and professors! Students auction them off to be able to throw a whole plate filled with whipped cream at their faces. Sounds fun? Trust us, it is! Each year, students tell us which professors, UTM staff, siblings, or friends they want to pie in the face, and we ask them to do this noble cause to raise money for orphans worldwide. Last year, we raised over $800!

 

8) Annual Orphan Run 

            For five years, Orphan Run has hosted the annual run which is our biggest event of the year. Each year, over a hundred people participate in running (or walking!) a 4km distance. Runners/walkers are sponsored by their friends and family to complete the run and once again, all money is donated to charity. Participants who finish the run the fastest receive a prize. Prizes are also given out to participants who raised the most money for the event. Last year, our annual run raised over $8000!