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Chemistry is pHun

We wanted to show the public
how chemistry connects to
their everyday lives, and how it
impacts them.

audience members to make a cash or non-perishable food donation. The partnership
between the show and the food bank allows organizers to leverage the audience’s interest
in paying it forward.
This year, the indoor show brought in an impressive $1,829.15—over $800 more than the
previous record, and the largest amount of money the show has ever raised for the food
bank. Approximately 940 pounds of non-perishable items were donated as well.
Donations are extremely important to the show’s organizers. They recognize that food
poverty and insecurity disproportionately impacts children—some of their main audience
members.
“Food scarcity as a kid can have lifelong impacts. Long-term, lacking the right nutrition
can cause cognitive issues. Short-term, it’s hard to learn when you’re hungry,” explains
Manthorpe. “We saw the donations as a way to try and do something about that.”
In hopes of making a difference, all of the cash donations are directed to the Ottawa Food
Bank programs that support Ottawa-area schools.

Reaching Out and Inspiring Scientists of the Future
Natalie Mesnic, a chemistry lab co-ordinator at Carleton, has spent years volunteering with
the show and says that engaging young children in science is especially important to her.
“[Growing up], I wasn’t really encouraged to pursue science,” she explains.
During the January show, Mesnic experienced an unforgettable moment. At the end of
the day, a little girl in a miniature lab coat and goggles approached her. The girl had gone to
every single show that day. “She came up and told me ‘I want to be just like you when I grow
up,’” says Mesnic. “I was holding back tears.”
“Those moments… are why we do this,” says Manthorpe. “The reality is, as time goes on and
the world becomes a more technologically advanced place, people are going to need more
and more scientific education and understanding. We need to inspire people to pursue this.”

For more Carleton University community engagement news, including success stories and
partnership opportunities, visit the Hub for Good: hubforgood.carleton.ca.

EUREKA MAGAZINE | 2019 science.carleton.ca 35