The holidays encourage us to show appreciation for what we have and to help those in need. In that spirit, several ’Canes Communities around the country held holiday-themed service events in their local communities.
“At the heart of our efforts is a desire to provide connections for our alumni, offering the support of the extended ’Canes network and sharing that support with the larger community” said Erica Arroyo, B.Sc. ’03, M.A.L.S. ’08, associate vice president of engagement at the University of Miami. “Not only that, but all our efforts compounded can really make a difference, especially during the holiday season.”
Here’s how several ’Canes Communities came together to help their communities, as well as upcoming opportunities to get involved.
Chicago ’Canes hosted a children’s book drive on December 17 to benefit Bernie’s Book Bank, which strives to promote literacy and encourage reading among children throughout Chicagoland.
Houston ’Canes hosted a toy drive on December 14 in partnership with Platypus Brewing to benefit children in the community.
Los Angeles ’Canes collected food for the Westside Food Bank, which provides free access to nutritious food in Santa Monica, at their holiday mixer on December 13.
Miami ’Canes invited alumni and their families to the Frost School of Music’s Swingin’ for the Holidays! Jazz Holiday Concert and asked guests to bring a toy for the University’s Toy Drive benefitting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Just Kids Center, Inc., and Hope for Miami.
Broward County ’Canes held a Holiday Soiree on December 11 to raise gift cards for the University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic, which offers free comprehensive medical care to uninsured children in South Florida.
The soiree also benefited the Debbie Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, which studies young learners to optimize childhood development, knowledge retention, and educational inclusivity.
San Francisco ’Canes held their holiday party on December 8 to raise donations of toys for the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program, which delivers toys to more than 40,000 disadvantaged children year-round.
Palm Beach County ’Canes hosted their annual holiday party at the Irish Brigade on December 7, collecting toys for patients of the Pediatric Mobile Clinic.
Earlier, Palm Beach County ’Canes held a watch party for the University of Virginia game on October 29, collecting food to help the Congregation B’nai Israel and Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church provide a Thanksgiving feast for members of the community.
Boston ’Canes raised monetary donations for the Greater Boston Food Bank during a football watch party for the game against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Click here to help their efforts to alleviate hunger during the holidays.
Sarasota ’Canes, Los Angeles ‘Canes, and San Francisco ‘Canes each hosted watch parties for the Florida State University game on November 5, collecting food for All Faiths Food Bank, Westside Food Bank, and the San Francisco Marin Food Bank, respectively.
Find Your ’Canes Community
’Canes Communities, supported by the University of Miami Alumni Association, provide a local connection to the University’s global community through ongoing events and programs, including service projects, education and cultural programming, game watch parties, virtual celebrations, and more. Click here to join a ’Canes Community near you.
