SAULT STE. MARIE -- Just more than two months ago, Algoma University asked the community for help. The school was setting up an emergency fund to help students who were financially struggling during the pandemic. The response was overwhelming.

“(A total of) $140,000 was raised from the community,” said Karen Hudson, director of student success at Algoma University.

That's enough to allow 295 students to access the fund, out of the 500 who applied. Students who received money were the ones not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or unemployment insurance.

“It was just an instant relief, when I received that email from Karen saying I was approved for the emergency fund,” said David Humes, a first-year student at Algoma University. “I felt happy."

Hudson said many students are still using the student food bank on a daily basis. She said the school receives daily emails from students asking for help. The school also has an emergency bursary set up to try and help all students in times of need.