Hundreds of Carleton University students lined up to enjoy a free coffee break with goodies supplied by volunteers from faith communities across Ottawa during final exams this April. Coordinators at Trinity Anglican Church in Ottawa worked with the university’s chaplains, the United Church and other faith groups to provide almost 1,500 students with a well-deserved break from their studies.
“Exams are such a challenging time for stress-out students,” Beth Hughes, a parish council member at Trinity and a professor at Carleton, says. “The pause tables provide a much-needed way to encourage and let them know all our communities care.”
Photo: Contributed
Hughes collaborated with colleagues at the university’s Wellness Centre to get ready for the event. A row of tables loaded with toasters, fresh bagels and cream cheese, muffins, cookies, and coffee urns were set up near the MacOdrum library where students spend lots of time preparing for their final exams and writing their research papers.
The coffee break initiative was halted during the pandemic. After a soft relaunch last December, the outreach initiative, which runs for three days, facilitated co-operation between Christian, Buddhist and Jewish faith communities. Coordinators hope to invite Muslim groups to also participate at Carleton University during the final exams period next December. Depending on attracting additional volunteer leaders and other factors, the project may expand to the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College.
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