The event continued the successful tradition of Faculty Giving Day and took the form of a charity buffet. Students, academics and non-academic colleagues brought Christmas cookies and other sweet and savory treats from local sources to the event. These could then be purchased for a symbolic price, which was paid into the Vesna Society's cash box. The total proceeds of the charity event went to the activities of the Vesna Association, which is dedicated to helping families in need.
Clothes and shoes were also collected for the association to benefit families with children living in unfavourable material conditions.
During the day, there was also an opportunity to make Christmas decorations or to try flying Christmas boats and sing carols.
The representative of the Student Chamber of the Academic Senate ECON MUNI Tomáš Černuch told us about the event: "I was very pleasantly surprised by the first year of the charity Christmas event. The students made Christmas decorations, brought candy, gingerbread and served delicious punch. There were a lot of goodies, for which I would like to thank everyone on behalf of the whole organizing team. We were also delighted with the number of visitors from students, teachers, staff and faculty management who came to see the event and contribute during the day. I would also like to thank all the volunteers who helped out with the organisation and running of Christmas Kindness. The event resulted in several bags of collected clothes, hygiene products and 15 086 CZK for the Vesna Association. Thanks again to everyone who participated in the collection, both materially and financially."
Jiří Špalek, Dean of the Faculty, was very pleased with the results of Christmas Kindness: "I am glad that with this event we are developing the tradition of charity projects at ECON MUNI. I would like to thank the students - not only for the great idea, but also for the professional organization. I am pleased not only with the amount of money raised, but more importantly that our students and colleagues are taking time out during the pre-Christmas rush to help those in need".
In some parts of the city, it can be faster to ride a shared bike than to drive or take public transport. In Brno, these are areas like Nová Zbrojovka or Spielberg Office, where traffic is heavy and public transport accessibility is poor. Dr Ondřej Špetík from ECON MUNI talks about how Brno residents use the bike-sharing system in the following interview.
Fourteen courses at ECON MUNI will include sustainability and ecology topics starting next autumn. Marie Hladká, Vice-Dean for studies, explains what exactly the "greening" will involve and why it is an important part of university education.
