Love, hate on V-day

Rows of free cupcakes and stacks of brownies were plentiful at Kwanlen’s “Love and Hate V-day.”

Reena Bali, 22, the Richmond campus director as of April 1, organized the event held on Feb.12 in the rotunda of the Richmond campus.

The sugar-laden event launched the 30-hour famine, which Bali will be organizing for the first time.

Bali said they chose to have the cupcakes, which were topped with a swirl of icing, pastel confetti and a jelly hearts, because they are very “valentine-y.” As for the two-bite brownies, “everyone loves brownies,” she said.

Although “free” signs sat beside the treats, those satisfying their sweet tooth could make a donation to World Vision.

World Vision is the organization behind the 30-hour famine.

Bali remembers doing the famine in high school. “I’m pretty sure a lot of students had a lot of fun times doing it in high school so I said why not do it here, its for a good cause.”

She said she is in the process of asking Kwantlen to hold the 30-hour famine sleepover at the school, in either the rotunda or the KSA lounge. If not, the famine will be held at one of Richmond’s community centers

Famine participants will drink juice and water, play games and raise money for 30 hours, according to Bali.

She said she doesn’t know how many people will participate, but the number isn’t that important.

“Even if we have 15 people signed up, I’m still going to go for it, because 15 is better than zero.”

Valentine’s Day cards, addressed to B.C. university and college students from the KSA, were also on hand at Love and Hate V-Day.

“I’m thinking of you this Valentine’s Day as I search for a committed partner to ensure my education is affordable and of high-quality,” wrote the KSA in the red folded cards.

As for the love and hate inspired name, Bali said she was just trying to cover all of the bases in naming of the event so no one would be offended, which she said “happens.”