The Humber community came together to show off their wide array of talents and raised more than $6,000 as part of the second annual Humber’s Got Talent event. 

The event, held in the LinX Lounge on Giving Tuesday, had a dozen Humber staff and faculty performing live that afternoon. Money raised from the event was donated to the Humber Student Food Security Fund. Donations to the fund broadened this year to beyond on-campus subsidies as well as student bursaries, grocery gift cards and food items for the Grab & Go Food Bank. 

Jacqueline Morgan, director, Strategy and Innovation with the Office of the Dean of Students, who played an integral role in creating the Humber Student Food Security Fund said students supported by the on-campus subsidies receive the equivalent of a $5 subsidy per weekday to purchase food on campus. Morgan added that, since its inception, the Humber Student Food Security Fund has given 3,150 days of on-campus food subsidy to students facing food insecurity. 

“Humber’s Got Talent is more than a showcase of talent – it’s a celebration of community and purpose,” said Morgan. “Seeing colleagues come together, share their talents and rally behind our students reminds us why we do what we do. Every dollar raised helps ensure that students can focus on learning without worrying about food insecurity. I’m proud of what we accomplished together and grateful to everyone who made this vision a reality.”  

Derek Stockley, associate vice-president Academic, and Jennifer O’Brien, vice-president of People(s) & Culture, served as the event’s emcees and kept the audience laughing and engaged between performances.  

Stockley noted that $3,800 was raised at last year’s event, and this year’s goal of $5,000 was surpassed. The emcees added that as part of Giving Tuesday, all registration fees and donations were matched. 

Performers included children’s entertainer Mark Pezzelato with ITS; singers Pat Abella and Oscar González with Student Success and Engagement; singer and guitarist Shierel Caoagas with ITS; singer Peter Tan with Advancement and Alumni; Nepalese dancer Shristi Shrestha with Finance; spoken word poetry from Prince Amoako with Black Student Support and Engagement; drummer Eric Landry with ITS; Punjabi dancer Ramandeep Kaur with People(s) & Culture; and a duet by Dave Smiderle with FAST and Dominic Ma with Advancement and Alumni. 

New to this year’s event was a silent auction that had a variety of items available for bidding including Toronto Blue Jays tickets, Toronto Marlies tickets, gift baskets and more.  

Donations can be made at any time to the Humber Student Food Security Fund by visiting the Humber Giving Well website at humber.ca/givingwell.