The University of Otago and the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) have joined forces to deliver care packages of essential supplies and a few treats to students and student flats that are in isolation because they have tested positive for Covid-19 or have been listed as close contacts.
OUSA is in charge of assembling care packages, receiving requests for them, and delivering them to students.
President Melissa Lama said the organisation had delivered many packages over the past few days.
She said she was aware this might be a challenging time for students who were in isolation and they might not have the finances to support themselves.
The packages included such staples as baked beans, rice, pasta, oats and fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as hygiene products, Ms Lama said.
"During this time, we urge our greater community to be kind and to check in on one another," Ms Lama said.
This new initiative was running alongside OUSA’s welfare and hardship fund.
OUSA was planning to collect and deliver essential prescription items, as well as orders arranged through click-and-collect services.
The university also provided funding to buy items for the packages. So far, it had offered $50,000. A further $50,000 was available if or when it was required.
The university also supported OUSA in soliciting donations from local businesses.
Vice-chancellor Prof David Murdoch said the university’s financial support for the care packages was in line with support provided last year for OUSA’s foodbank.
The university’s Putea Tautoko student relief fund had also provided funding for the care packages and had distributed close to $6million since established in 2020, Prof Murdoch said.
"We are delighted to be working with OUSA on this initiative as another way to support our students at what is no doubt an unsettling time," Prof Murdoch said.
Any student isolating because of Covid-19 could apply for support through the student support hub at this address: ousasupporthub.org.nz.
