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In October, a group of students organized an art sale fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Entitled CollaborArt, the sale drew crowds and had a positive impact on the college community through the making and sharing of art and the education of many on breast cancer.

The event was primarily run by Daylight, a non-profit started by St. Lawrence student Bon Pham, which seeks to empower women through its various activities. Participating partners included the Health & Wellness Club, the LGBTQ+ Club, and the Arts & Crafts Club, all of whom helped out during the event. Funding was provided by the St. Lawrence Students’ Association. All volunteers dressed in pink, the colour typically associated with breast cancer awareness and fundraising.

The team felt it was important to put their efforts toward this cause because of Daylight’s mandate as a woman-focused non-profit. Breast cancer is an issue that touches everyone, both on a local scale and internationally. By focusing on an issue that primarily affects women, the student organizers (many of whom are part of Model UN) say they were able to align their fundraiser with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

CollaborArt mobilized many members of the college, bringing together over 20 student and alumni artists, with participation from teachers, staff, and students. Much of the art was of, about, and by women. Art was sold at a low cost, allowing students to pick up pieces for their houses or lockers. Alongside the art sale, there was an information booth, with student volunteers educating attendees about breast cancer. Day 1 of the sale was such a hit that some students were inspired to bring in new pieces for sale on the second day, says Pham.

St. Lawrence art teacher and professional artist Tanya Morand donated one of her own works, worth over $300, to the fundraiser. Raffle tickets were sold, with many staff members keen to get a chance to win the piece. In the end, it went home with Nicole-Anne Daigle, who works as a Guidance Counsellor at the college.

Pham says she was inspired to organize CollaborArt because art can have a positive effect on a person’s health and well-being and is something that can be appreciated by all. An art sale provided a different fundraising model than the ever-popular bake sale, while additionally allowing students and alumni to showcase their artistic talents.

The students involved were pleased to be part of this special event and to make a difference. Anastasia Gaulin, a business student, worked on communications and finance for the sale. She says that CollaborArt was a chance for her to apply her class learnings in real life. She enjoyed the work, and she felt gratitude at being able to help others in this way.

The sale was very popular, raising $1,130 for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. It was also an educational success, facilitating conversations about breast cancer and uniting members of the college community toward a common goal.

Several student groups came together to run the event.

Some student artworks for sale.

Bon Pham (right) presents Nicole-Anne Daigle with her prize, a painting by Tanya Morand.

$1,130 were raised for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.