The Art of an Injury

Making a comeback with Breanna Allison

Lauren Agnew 

Most athletes will tell you that they are willing to sacrifice anything for their sport; they put their bodies and minds on the line every day either for glory, sheer love of sport, or both. But what about when disaster strikes? What about when the sport you love causes you to sit on the sidelines? For X-Women Rugby Fullback Breanna Allison, this is exactly what happened. 

Allison, whose friends and teammates call her “Bre”, has been a starter for StFX since her first year in 2013. Now in her third year, Bre has been sidelined with an injury expected to keep her off the field for at least a year. In a game against the UPEI Panthers early in the 2015 season, Bre was playing her usual position of fullback at number 15 on the field. It was a perfect day for rugby, with a few clouds and no wind, and the X-Women were set to win their first game of the season. Unfortunately, a few minutes into the second half Bre was forced to make a try-saving tackle. While it was spectacular to watch from the sidelines (Bre absolutely flattened the opposing player), on the field it was a different story: “I knew something was wrong right away, “says Allison, “But to be honest I didn’t think it was too serious. It just looked swollen right away, so I assumed that when the swelling went down I would be back on the field”. 

The injury would prove to be a fully torn right ACL, an injury that is becoming increasingly common in female athletes. Bre says she was surprised when she got the results of her MRI back, saying “I didn’t hear the snap or the pop or anything they say happens when you tear your ACL. I really didn’t think it was serious”. After a three month wait to see a surgeon, the tear was finally repaired. Then came rehab. For another three months Allison was limited to using crutches to get around the icy StFX campus, an unfortunate impediment given the timing of the injury. 

Allison says she is excited to get back on the field, but also “incredibly nervous.” She explains “I feel like I’m starting at ground zero. Now that I can slowly start training again I am so far behind my other teammates. I only just got cleared to run again.” Bre adds however that this has become her main source of motivation: “I want to get back on that field and back in a jersey” and she says she will to anything it takes to get there. 

The X-Women broke a 17-year championship winning streak this year, losing the AUS title at home to Acadia. Allison says that she is “anxious to get back and help [her] teammates take back the title.” But the effects of the injury are more than physical, there is a mental side as well. Bre worries that her injury will make her hesitate more on the field: “Once I get past the first tackle it will be fine. But that first one will be tough. I need to know my body can handle it again. As soon as that first tackle is over I know I will be more than ready, it’s just more motivation to get back.” 

Recovery can be frustrating, but Bre is thankful that she has her teammates for motivation and support, and adds that she is doing everything in her power to get back to training camp in August, and on the field for her fourth, and maybe even final year of rugby as an X-Woman. At the end of the day, having a positive attitude about the process and the prospect of returning to play is what keeps Bre working hard. “I still don’t know if I’m coming back for a fifth year,” she says, “but I do know that I’m not done yet. We have another championship to win.”

Sex After Sexual Assault

How to find safety and confidence in intimacy

I remember calling my boyfriend to tell him I had been raped. We had only been dating for two and a half months, most of which was long distance. Of course, it was uncomfortable - only a month before that phone call he had been visiting me, and suddenly I’m calling him to tell him I was raped by a friend of mine. We had just really started getting to know one another and then I was not the same person. There were so many changes during that time, and approaching sex was one of them. When talking about sexual assault, it seems sex after assault is not addressed or merely glossed over. 

Recently I saw a post on YikYak where the posters were saying they did not know how to be sexual, or have sex at all since they were assaulted. This makes sense. Whether you are in a relationship or caught up a one-night thing, sex is intimate. When this trust you’ve put into someone is betrayed, in such an intimate act, it can be hard to regain that trust and your sexuality. Each person will recover in their own way, and in their own time, but I would like to share with you some things that helped me regain control over my sexuality, and hopefully help you find your own. This has not been quick, nor had it been easy, but it is important. You can be a survivor of sexual violence and be a sexual person.  

Sexuality is not only about the act of sex - it’s also about feeling confident in your body again. There is a lot of self-blame that follows sexual violence, and questions about whether or not you could have prevented it from happening. I spent a lot of time being self-conscious of my body and how it would be perceived by those around me. I wanted to feel sexy and confident but I was afraid to do so. Would it make me less of a survivor to wear sheer tops and short skirts? Could I ever safely feel sexy again? 

One night I went out to see a friend of mine DJing, and my friends and I were all really excited. But this all changed when the student who raped me was there, and spent the entire night following me around. I was dancing with my girlfriends when I felt arms around my waist and lips on my neck. He was standing behind me, touching me, and so I froze. I looked desperately at my friend who started yelling at him to leave me alone. He did not try and talk to me or touch me after that, but he continued to follow me wherever I went. 

It’s scary, haunting, frustrating and invasive, but here’s the thing -  sexual violence is never your fault. It is important to remind yourself that there was nothing you did to made it happen. So following the assault, I told myself that I would not be broken by this; I would be strong and recover and not allow my body to be controlled by him anymore. So I masturbated. Which is a weird thing to admit to an unknown number of readers, but that is how I started being sex positive again. I made my space safe and comfortable, I found my preferred entertainment, and spent some time loving myself at my own pace. When I started to feel overwhelmed, I stopped and took time to relax. If and when I felt ready, I continued. 

You know your body, so listen to it. Take time to make yourself feel physically good because you deserve to feel good. The goal is for you to rediscover sex and pleasure, so do not make it a race. After experiencing sexual violence, you feel robbed of control over your own body. Masturbation is a great way to work towards regaining the power over your own sexuality. You decide what you watch, listen to, read, or imagine, and you decide your limits. Regaining control over your sexuality is very important in finding the confidence you need to enjoy sex with a partner in the future.  

Now, for sex with a partner. I am going to operate on the assumption that any partner you choose will immediately respect your decisions and listen to your needs, because the best sex is the consensual kind. 

First, go slow and spend a lot of time in foreplay. What better way for you and your partner to prep for sex? There is communication throughout, it feels good, and it ensures that your body is physically ready for sex. Foreplay is a good time to check in with yourself (and your partner) to make sure that you are feeling up to having sex. You and your partner have the opportunity to explore one another’s bodies, discover if there are any changes in what you do and don’t like. Take your time being sexual with your partner and learning to be comfortable while being so. 

During the first few times I had sex after my assault, I felt very different. I felt like I had to be much more aware of what my boyfriend was doing and what I was feeling. Thus, is it no surprise that there was a persisting sense of anxiety. What if he got caught up in the moment? What if he didn’t stop if I needed him to? This is why I cannot stress the importance of communication enough, and to have sex only if you feel ready for it, and when you do, take it as slowly as you need. 

Remember, you can stop at any point. The moment following might be uncomfortable. You may be feeling overwhelmed and pressured. Perhaps you experienced a flashback. Your partner may be feeling guilty, responsible and concerned. But these feelings are all okay. I remember when I had a flashback once in the middle of sex.  I do not know what happened, but I opened my eyes and I did not see my boyfriend, I saw my rapist. I freaked out, started crying and shouting at him to get off of me (which he did immediately), and just rolled over and started sobbing. I felt embarrassed and scared, and he felt like he had done something to hurt me. This was so upsetting and awkward, but not the only time it happened. 

You are not to blame, nor is your partner. Please know this. Talk about it, reassure one another and take the time you need before having sex again. Triggers and flashbacks are wildly inconvenient and unpredictable. They can happen while you are walking to Nicholson Hall and in the middle of sex. And while communication will not stop them from happening, it does help. If you and your partner communicate before and throughout sex, it can make the experience much less stressful. Communication is not necessarily, “Like this? Do you want to do this? Can I do that? Hey you all good?” While it can involve asking these reassuring questions, it is also moaning and body language cues. If your partner starts tensing up and seems unsure, check in with them. Sometimes it can be hard to express something outright, and asking will let them know you are listening. Be honest with your partner - if something feels off, tell them. This is new territory for everyone involved and everyone needs honest communication in order to have a healthy sex life.

It is difficult to move on from assault, and being on such small campus makes it even harder. While you may run into them at times, you also cannot stop living life because of this person. You deserve a full life with fun nights and amazing memories with your friends. Always make sure to bring trusted friends with you. If you start to feel uncomfortable, get somewhere that you feel safe. Life will continue regardless of whether you are hiding in your room or out with your friends. Do what will make you feel safe and happy, but do live your life to its fullest. If that means watching a romantic comedy while crying into ice cream (like I did), that is perfectly fine. If it is braving the line at the pub to get funky on the dance floor with your amazing friends (I also did this), that is perfectly fine too.  

By making decisions based on what is right for you, you will find your confidence and in time reclaim your sexuality. It does not happen overnight: it takes work and patience. But when you find yourself in a place where sex is fun and pleasurable, and a night out - or in - requires less finding where the nearest exit is, and more “Holy shit I love this song,” you’ll know it has been worth it. Be sexy, sexual, and confident. Above all, be true to yourself.  

If you have been a victim of sexual violence, I urge you to talk to someone. You are not alone in this, and there are people out there who will do everything they can to help you. This was not your fault. You can get through this.  

We’ve got your back.

Call Me What You Want

You might be an asshole, but I’m not so sensitive

A two part series. 

I have had the privilege to ring in the New Year with countless forums, discussions, and conference presentations based on the power of language and the potential for oppression via words. Although many conversations entailed the necessary eradication (or potential for re-empowerment) of racially driven, sexist, culturally insensitive terminology, the most common word presented as a topic for debate was slut. 

Slut, in its literal sense, refers to an individual who indulges in the pleasure of sex with varying partners on a frequent basis. Although currently its definition is often ignored when used, there is no doubt its initial introduction was grounded in a gender hierarchy, favouring the decisions of men. However, words and their use evolve, and the extent to which we give them power among a growingly hypersensitive bubble need to as well.

Call me a slut. The word ‘slut’ has grown to possess such minuscule value in comparison to its original meaning and is now applicable to a vast spectrum of scenarios that it’s employed arbitrarily. In fact, sometimes it can even be endearing. 

I have a close friend who primarily addresses me as, “Hey slut!” She wouldn’t casually use this term with a stranger and utters this statement as a form of humor that ultimately solidifies our relationship. 

However, when used by a man in a method to belittle my less than there outfit or my questionable back-wall dance moves, I’m still not compelled to lecture him on its origin. If slut is made to reference my sexual history then the individual’s logic is inconsistent because I am the only one with knowledge of those statistics. 

I am sure of who I am, and acknowledge that my sexual choices are distinctly disconnected from my levels of intelligence, kindness, morality and creativity. Terms like slut, whore, and ugly are not only grounded in superficiality and can only be assessed subjectively but simply put shouldn’t offend you because they aren’t a reflection of your character or influence in the world. Why isn’t it more hurtful to be called vain, vindictive, or boring? These descriptors have powerful definitions that attack an individual’s relationships and person.

So, we’re not friends and you’ve decided to call me a slut. If you’re a boy and we’re at the bar, or my personal fave, yelling it from your vehicle, thank you for helping me identify the ignorant swine lingering on the StFX campus. I now have a mental image of the cowards with whom myself and my friends should avoid romantic involvement. 

Females also like to throw the term out particularly when intoxicated or among a jealous fit, but once again, I’m left unfazed because you’ve only displayed your lack of imagination and weak vocabulary. Your suffering English lexicon has made it look as though I thrive in all other branches life with your decision to use such a meaningless word. 

If you are called a slut, do not cry or worse, whine. Laugh if said by a friend, have an intellectually stunning response if spewed by a meathead, or simply remember that that boy will not have the luxury of having sex with you. 

We need to check our priorities, be confident and orchestrate a symphony of work so loud it drowns out unworthy voices and meritless language.

What we’ll tell our grandkids

Canada was once the international community’s poster child for ice hockey (although that was tossed out the window during the World Juniors) however this years diversified successes helped cultivate an evolved athletic culture we now identify with. 2015 was an explosive year for Canadian sports however some moments mark it as particularly triumphant for our over friendly population. 

Connor McDavid was drafted first over all in the 2015 NHL draft to the Edmonton Oilers. The forward is a stunning presence on the the ice only rivalling the entrance into the pros to that of Crosby’s. The next most exciting day for Edmonton will probably be McDavid’s return to line post broken collar bone recovery. 

Canadian basketball’s great one retired: Steve Nash. There is no denying his unbelievable talent, with two MVP trophies to back up his 19 year career, however his greatest impact might be that which has served as a role model and mentor for Basketball Canada. Although we shed a tear as we saidgoodbye to Nash, we should be comforted knowing his legacy will live on in the form of Toronto native Andrew Wiggins. The Timberland forward was drafted first overall in 2014 (which has only been done by one other Canadian), has stats rivalling that of Kevin Durant and Lebron James and won NBA rookie of the year in 2015, the only Canadian to acquire such title. 

Finally, there is not a moment inside an arena that ignites a Canadian’s heart more than the Jose Bautista bat flip. Toronto does not possess a positive reputation in any societal branch among Canadians, however by late summer of 2015 the Blue Jays were our baby and like most moms on Facebook we were flooding our friends on social media with images to point out just how special our child was. It was a romantic tale from Kawasaki’s hilarious interviews, to Josh Donaldson winning the American League’s most valuable player award and late comebacks against the Texas Rangers. The only part missing was a spot in the World Series, but nonetheless the Jays run sent a surge of pride and optimism through the country, stamped with the hashtag “come together.” 

A new year is upon us and so is the chance to dominate an even wider range of sports. In 2016, we can look forward to a comeback from Genie Bouchard, further success from golfer Brooke Henderson on the LPGA and medals at the Rio Olympics from track stars like 800m Melissa Bishop and sprinter Andre De Grasse.

Read This

The Syrian refugee crisis is one of the greatest challenges of this decade. The community of Antigonish has responded by forming SAFE, a non-profit group which will provide care 2 Syrian refugees when they arrive in 2-3 weeks.

SAFE reached out to StFX this past Monday by requesting donations and volunteer services which will help the families adjust.

“We want to raise $100 000,” says Lucille, a SAFE representative. This $100 000 would be used to settle either a third family, or extended family members in the coming months. $100 000 is a large sum, until it’s divided by the 5 000 or so members of the StFX community, then becomes $20/ person. This isn’t difficult and would certainly follow StFX’s tradition of helping those less fortunate (i.e. Moses Coady leading the Antigonish movement during the depression).

Maybe your aid will come through alternative ways such as tutoring the children. Maybe that’s by going to SAFE meetings and what brainstorming what issues these families face in adjusting to life in Canada. Maybe it’s simply practicing our social skills by saying ‘hi’ and being friendly when we see them.

There are many ways to get involved. Donations can be made to SAFE at its account at the Credit Union. Tax receipts will not be given as SAFE is still applying for charitable status. Rotary Interact is already involved, if you wish to contact them. A new society “StFX for SAFE” is being led by Emma Greer, who can be contacted at x2011sks@stfx.ca. To directly contact SAFE, please e-mail safamiliesembrace@gmail.com. 

Happy Holidays!

Food for Thought

It’s the most wonderful time of the year; X-ring is here! Although I’m only a sophomore, I too shiver with anticipation. Only two years (three if I don’t get my shit together) and I’ll have mine! However, I shall inherit mine from my Grandfather. My primary reasons are: keep it in the family, and save that sweet cash money! Upon reflection though, there is a deeper sentiment.

The X-ring can be a symbol of everything this school is and what the bearer gained while there. Your X-ring will be different from every other, but let’s talk about what they all should symbolize.

They should all symbolize X’s history, X began as a covenant between the Catholic Church and the newly arrived Scottish refugees of Nova Scotia. With education, these people would gain the tools to end their poverty and their discrimination. This is StFX’s historical mission, and was the reason why my Grandfather came here.

I’d like to think that’s why I came here, and that an X-ring will bring that to my mind when I wear it. But, does X still hold true to its founding mission?

I don’t think so, how are we honouring that mission when graduation now comes after an $80 000 bill ($40 000 if you’re getting half-of-an engineering degree)? I don’t think that makes university education at all accessible to the poor. The few and far between scholarships are paid for by alumni. Thus, a new X-ring symbolizes a school that has abandoned its founding mission, not kept it. 

Perhaps the X-ring symbolizes how we have reached the same level of academic excellence that was required of Xaverians past. This is false. Truthfully, my grandfather did not graduate from X. He flunked chemistry and opted to go home rather than repeat the whole year, as was required of engineers at the time. He did not earn his X-ring, yet he’s in the same prestigious club as though who do. Has that changed since then? 

I am still excited to get my ring, but because it’s a reminder that failures do not always reflect in one’s life. After flunking, my grandfather became an entrepreneur, fathered six children, sent four of them to get the education he didn’t, he’s in his 55th year of successful marriage - he’s even a patented inventor! His ring to me is a symbol of him – not his school. It was worn by a man who failed and came back from that failure on his own merit. Hopefully, when I fail in life, I’ll look to his ring, and be inspired to find success. The ring has almost nothing to do with this school, besides the desire to earn it before parading with it. That is what my X-ring means to me, what does yours mean to you?

It's Not Over

The prevailing issue of racism in professional and collegiate sports

A dominant ideology that strings together athletes, coaches and fans is the notion of sport,”being pure and good,” an arena separate from corruption. Unfortunately the FIFA administration, ruthlessness of fantasy football (see John Oliver’s rant) and continued socioeconomic inequity on the field have destroyed this desired sociological reputation. Although we yearn for sport to be the branch of culture free from prejudice, it appears that issues particularly those driven by racism are reflecting back onto the spheres of our athletes in a forthright manner. 

Sports history is defined by the moments where athletes such as Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens and Thommie Smith overcame obstacles grounded in the colour of their skin and ignorant mindsets. Although these athletes’ successes dramatically contributed to a transformation in the perception of differing ethnicities, the use of racial slurs to eliminate an individual’s power during a competition persists. In North America we see this most clearly at the collegiate and professional level. 

 Last year, Donald Sterling former owner of the NBA’s L.A. Clippers was recorded saying to his significant other, “It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people”, and, “You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want”, but “the little I ask you is ... not to bring them to my games.” These astonishing statements were followed by an (obvious) protest by his players, fan uproar and lifetime ban from the NBA issued by commissioner Adam Silverstein alongside a $2.5 million fine. 

Racism in sports is hardly left behind the scenes. In fact its often displayed in the most public manner: social media. Following a game winning goal by PK Subban against the Boston Bruins in 2014 a flood of discriminatory tweets flood the internet on behalf of Bruin fans to the point that the n-word was trending. 

CIS is renowned for producing individuals driven equally by character, athletic and academic success but even this group of reputable leaders are not segregated from incidences of racism as experienced by X-men hockey player Trey Lewis.  When Trey is not in Antigonish he resides in Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick (his mother is Mi’kmaq). Playing major junior and in the AUS Lewis has encountered slurs aimed at his native roots, experienced mostrecently in a game against the University of Moncton. When asked how the scenario with the opposing player evolved Lewis states, “After a whistle in the game against Moncton I was talking to one of the Moncton players when another one of their players skated by calling me a *bleep*-ing Indian. It wasn’t the smartest decision because the linesman again was right beside us and heard the comment, (Trey politely substituted the word fucking for a kinder option).” He continued by describing his response to the remarks, “I turned to see if the linesman or ref had heard it, and then I’ll admit I overreacted and was quite mad at the player, but he was kicked out of the game, so nothing more came of it. I wouldn’t hold a grudge or anything, usually if anything like this happens I understand that it is a heat of the moment decision, and more often than not the player is not truly racist.”  Although this athlete displays an uncanny level of sympathy that can only be associated with incredible maturity he doesn’t deny that ignorance flows from the ice to everyday life regarding his heritage, “I have experienced more or less uneducated comments, for example someone upset that Natives get a treaty day holiday, or someone thinks it’s unfair that Natives have reduced taxes. I think this simply comes out of lack of education, throughout grade school and such we’re not taught nearly enough about Aboriginal histories and issues. This can lead to “accidental” racism in my opinion.” 

There is no denying racism is prevailing throughout Western society via police brutality, continued cultural appropriation and absurd Islamaphobia propaganda on Facebook. However our idea that the world of sports is isolated from this cruel, disempowering language is wrong and must be acknowledged if we desire to one day completely abolish racism.

No More Good Cop?

Why I celebrate my father and condemn assholes with guns

I am the granola crunching, anti-Lowell Green, tree-hugging daughter my father was scared to raise. Although I have oscillated dramatically between both ends of the political and social spectrum, I now simply adhere to the facts and policies that best align with my set of national priorities and reflect my continually evolving morals, regardless of the political label they technically earn. 

Whilst engaging in small talk over the last two years, I have found myself hesitant to discuss what my parents “do” whenever the question gets brought up. My father is a former sniper and staff sergeant for a metropolitan tactical unit. He dressed in a uniform that seemed to be the cross of a ninja, soldier, and Inspector Gadget each morning and set out the door with a full heart and clear intentions to get the bad guy. In the past, his career would pump adrenaline through my body when I had the opportunity to profess all the evil he confronted and combatted. However, as increasing stories and videos of police brutality began to flood the media, I began to silence this familial pride.

My rifle-holding father is a feminist - whether he labels himself as one or not - who continually advocates for equal pay, texts me about the latest documentaries on sexual assaults across campuses, and is a major proponent for increased female leadership among athletics. He dedicates hours to ensure raids happen smoothly and without disturbing innocent bystanders. Throughout his entire career, my father has argued for an increase in tasers, not because he believes officers should have more power, but in order to eliminate as many reasons as possible to reach for a gun. 

My father was the first person to oppose the relaxed laws surrounding pedestrian gun use in the United States. His understanding of guns is that they are deadly weapons to be used in times of dire need, not for unnecessary and brutal, prejudiced violence on behalf of those who wear a badge. 

We seldom see the pedophiles he and his coworkers have removed from society, the physical force he didn’t use after being spat at during a protest, the criticism he gave his fellow officers when poor choices were made, or the confrontations he has had with cruel individuals who have yet to trump his bravery. 

My father is a police officer. Michael Slager, Randall Kerrick, Daniel Pantaelo, Ben Fields and those who have unrightfully injured or killed while on the job are not police officers. They have disregarded the written code and ethical standard intended to ensure citizens are kept safe. Their actions speak to a larger issue of institutionalized racism throughout America, but when it comes down to it, they were improperly armed individuals on a narcissistic power trip. 

The media chooses to focus their reports on these cowards and in doing so drown out the voices and actions of those who fulfill their duties with a code of ethics that go above and beyond what is asked of them. In all sectors of society - religion, medicine, politics, or others - the media allows the minority who warp a thoughtful and just framework for their destructive motives to pervade and saturate our consciousness, resulting in the formation of skewed opinions. 

There is no denying that institutions like defense forces must be viewed with a critical eye, but so too do the channels through which we are fed information about them. I acknowledge that brutality by police forces driven by racial privilege persists but I refuse, just as I disregard groups like the Westboro Baptist Church as honest Christians, to identify them as true officers. I once again return to my moderate position. I protest the women and men who wear a badge and inflict inexcusable harm on innocent people, but I celebrate those who like my Dad, who refuse to be jaded and honorably follow out their role as safeguards of justice. 

Professors Give Refugees a New Home

StFX faculty members work with SAFE to bring refugees to Antigonish

As the refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East continues to grow, governments in the European Union are facing a serious pressure to accept more displaced families. While some, like Germany, have offered to take significant numbers, many others are still hesitant to open their doors. Canada and the United States have been reluctant, committing to taking in only 25 000 and 10 000 refugees respectively. This is a fairly small number compared to Germany, which has already taken in over 450 000 and has pledged to take 800 000 this year. However, in Canada there are many people and organizations taking it upon themselves to raise money to bring refugee families to Canada. 

The Syrian-Antigonish Families Embrace, also known as the SAFE Society, has pledged to do just that, and is currently raising money to bring one refugee family to Antigonish as soon as possible. Physics Professor Michael Steinitz, however, believes that this is not enough. In late September, Dr. Steinitz sent an email decrying the inaction of Canada in the face of the refugee crisis. The was a strong response was heard, and a committee of five professors was assembled, including Dr. Michael Steinitz himself, Dr. Norine Verberg, Dr. Linda Darwish, Dr. Elizabeth McGibbon and Dr. Joseph Khoury. The committee has been named “StFX for SAFE”, and is currently working in collaboration with the SAFE society to bring many refugee families to the Antigonish area. 

At a committee meeting last Wednesday, representatives from faculty, staff, administration, and the student’s union discussed goals and fundraising initiatives in order to begin bringing families to Antigonish. The overall goal of $100 000 will allow for the support of 4 families, and with the promise of each family’s sponsorship of approximately $25 000 to be matched by the government. This funding will provide support for a year in Antigonish, including necessities such as winter clothing, housing costs, school supplies, and more. 

Dr. Kent MacDonald attended the committee meeting as well, and committee members were pleased with the amount of support received from the President, as well other members of the StFX community. English professor Dr. Joseph Khoury said he was thankful for all the support the initiative has already received, and he believes that it “speaks to the best of human impulses to help and protect”.

Nursing professor Elizabeth McGibbon added that she felt the commit was “follow[ing] STFX’s roots in social justice action and [demonstrating] our current commitment to humanitarian efforts locally and globally.”

Although the committee acknowledges it is a challenge to achieve such lofty goals in such a short period of time, StFX for SAFE believes that the St.FX community spirit will be enough to pull it off. Many members of the committee also have a personal connection to, and understanding of, the refugee crisis, whether from relatives, previous work experience or family history, making the achievement of the goal a “priority”, says Dr. Khoury. 

Those looking to get involved with the project can like the SAFE Society Facebook page, or email any committee member for more information. StFX for SAFE hopes to have specific fundraising events established soon, in an effort to reach the $100 000 goal as soon as possible. In the meantime, donations can be made directly to the SAFE Society at safefamiliesembrace@gmail.com, or via cheque, with tax receipts available for donations over fifty dollars. Any indication of involvement with the StFX community will direct funds to the “StFX for SAFE” account, helping to reach the goal of bringing at least four refugee families to the safe harbour of the Antigonish community.