Members of the TRU community can once again have up to $20 waived in library fines through the 10th Annual Food for Fines campaign.
For each non-perishable food item a person donates, $2 will be deducted from what they owe in fines. Donations are being accepted and fines waived at the TRU Library checkout desks in Kamloops and Williams Lake during service hours.
The campaign runs through April 25, with Kamloops donations going to the TRU Students’ Union Food Bank and Williams Lake donations to the Williams Lake Food Bank.
Those with accounts in good standing are also able to participate.
To get a bit of insight into the campaign, the TRU Newsroom went to TRU Reference and Web Services Librarian Kathy Gaynor for some additional information.
Newsroom—Generally, how many pieces are collected?
KG—Last year we collected over 275 non-perishable food items for the TRUSU food bank.
Newsroom—How much in fines is waived? I realize this number may be lower than the pieces collected because some may over-give or give though not having fines.
KG—Last year we waived over $550 in overdue fines.
Newsroom—What’s the spirit behind this initiative?
KG—This time of year is hard for students. There is the pressure to find a job for the summer, student loan money is running thin, final exams are looming. We felt that this was a great way to give students a break by waiving/reducing overdue library fines and restocking the student-run food bank. It’s a win for the library because it can be uncomfortable collecting fines from cash-strapped students. It’s a win for students and a win for the TRUSU food bank.
Newsroom—What kind of feedback do you hear from students? Thinking along the lines of being relieved with being able to save a little bit of money.
KG—Students are thrilled with this initiative. Faculty likes this program too. They feel doubly good because they get rid of their overdue fines and help students at the same time.
Newsroom—Do you know the history behind this initiative?
KG—Ten years ago we started looking for other charities that the library could get involved with. Library staff is already involved with the United Way, Big Brothers and Sisters, and local literacy programs. We wanted to find a way in which the library—beyond the efforts of individual library staff—could directly help TRU students and faculty, and Food for Fines does that.
Newsroom—What are the more common non-perishable food items?
KG—Canned goods, like soup. Beans and ramen are also very popular
Newsroom—What items would you like to see more of?
KG—All non-perishable food items are welcome, but the more nutritional ones are the most desired.
