On February 9, between 12 and 2 p.m., the Organization of Latin American Students hosted “Taco Time” in the Student Centre. OLAS members provided the tacos at a cost of $1.50 per plate to anyone interested in having a serving of some hot Mexican flavour. The event was intended to establish a stronger OLAS presence on the UTM campus.
“Our club’s mission is to bring the Latin culture to our campus by providing various activities from free dance lessons to food events,” said Sunil Shah, president of OLAS. “We want to provide students with more food options so that you’re not stuck eating the same food every day. We also make sure that our food caters to all individuals, and I personally ensured that the food was halal.”
During the month of March, Shah revealed, OLAS plans to host plenty of events to further establish a presence on campus.
On March 7, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., along with the Undergraduate Commerce Society and Residence Council, OLAS will host “O Noir”, a dining experience “like no other”, according to Shah. Participants will enjoy a three-course meal at the Blind Duck Pub while blindfolded in order to heighten the senses of smell and taste. Tickets are $20 at the Infobooth, UCS office, or Oscar Peterson Hall. Proceeds will be donated to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly; Shah encourages interested students to purchase tickets soon.
Also planned is a movie night in the Dean’s Lounge of the North Building, where free food and drinks will be offered. On top of all this, OLAS offers free salsa lessons every week on Tuesdays between 1 and 2 p.m., and Thursdays between 2 and 3 p.m., in the Board Room in the Student Centre. Finally, OLAS is planning to have a Latin Night at a Mississauga club.
Shah promises more to come in March besides this.
“Look out for free food, since March will be the last month and exams will be following,” said Shah. “It’s time to enjoy the good things in life, like free food.”
On ulife.utoronto.ca, OLAS is described as “a student group that strives to promote and celebrate Latin American culture. We hold a wide range of events throughout the year from Spanish conversation classes to learning a variety of Latin dances, to embracing the vibrant food and shows. This club is for anyone who is Latin American or for anyone who enjoys the Latin passion.”
To find out more information on OLAS, check out their Facebook page, OLAS@UTM.
