Yukon University officials are thanking residents for making a fundraiser a success.

“Generous Yukoners have raised $7,429 to nourish YukonU students across the territory by purchasing 2,600 reusable YukonU Together We Thrive tote bags at the Wykes’ Your Independent Grocer check-out,” the university said late last month.

“The fundraising campaign and tote bags have proved so popular that owner/operator Mark Wykes has decided to keep it rolling into 2022. Many donations were of the minimum $2, but the largest single contribution was $200.”

The money raised has gone toward fresh fruit, pantry staples and holiday treats for all students in campus housing and students at community campuses across the territory.

Funds will also contribute to stocking and maintaining the Ayamdigut Campus Student Food Bank through the next semester.

“The generosity of Wykes’ Your Independent Grocer customers has been outstanding and means so much to our students,” said Dr. Lesley Brown, the university’s president and vice-chancellor.

“It’s special to be able to partner with a local business to create this impact for students.”

Megan Skarnulis, instructor/co-ordinator Student Success, called it “wonderful to see the relief for a student when they can receive a little support in providing healthy food options for themselves and their family.”

Just 20 donors opted to enter the draw for a YukonU hoodie, which was won Dec. 17 by Hope Snider.