Holiday Lunch with Santa

Ho Ho Ho-lidays are near!

By Tania Arora, Staff Reporter

On November 29, the New Westminster Campus had a huge lineup as students waited eagerly for Santa.

With Christmas around the corner, the Douglas Students’ Union (DSU) organized a holiday lunch with Santa at New Westminster Campus. The event also took place at the David Lam Campus on November 27.

With Ben Cohen dressing up as Santa and DSU members coming together to host the lunch, the event attracted an enormous crowd. A photo booth was set up with Santa being the main attraction. Students could be seen waiting to take photos with the man in the red suit. There was also a never-ending lineup for the free lunch served by the DSU members. Mexican cuisine such as tacos, rice, salsa, sour cream, and beans were served, along with vegan and gluten-free options. Starting at 11 am, the whole concourse was filled with students holding plates and staring at the big screen.

The DSU played a series of Christmas movies. From The Polar Express to Home Alone to The Muppet Christmas Carol, the entire holiday lunch event was focused around Christmassy holiday celebrations.

Prachi Gupta, a student at Douglas College, said in an interview with the Other Press—while enjoying her tacos—that events like these are what make campus life so strong.

“What I love the most about our college is how engaging they are,” she said. “I haven’t seen any occasion pass by where they haven’t done anything. I was observing how active the whole team is. They organize such good events all the time, which makes me excited every time I hear about any. […] They leave no stone unturned to make us happy and help us relive our childhood while realizing that there is no particular age or time to have fun.”

Sarabjeet Kaur, another student from Douglas College who attended the event, said with a laugh that it was perfect timing that the DSU served free food.

“Well, I am happy that they are serving food today as I didn’t have my breakfast,” she said.

The Students’ Union also promoted the DSU Study Hall event which they organize every semester at both the campuses. The Study Hall is a space created for students who wish to come together and study individually or in groups in a quiet environment. Free coffee is served throughout the day, along with some study tips and tutoring sessions offered.

At New Westminster Campus, the Study Hall events will take place from December 3 to 7 and 10 to 14 from 11 am to 6 pm at the Concourse Fishbowl. David Lam Campus will offer the Study Hall on the same days and times at the Tim Hortons cafe.