The first Saturday of Reading Week, students put down their textbooks and picked up their boxing gloves for a cause. McGill sorority Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) hosted a self-defence workshop to raise funds for the Arthritis Society of Canada, while also promoting their core value of inspiring ambition.
“The whole point of making sororities was to be inclusive for women, and to give back to women and sisterhood,” said Emma Whitty, the Director of Philanthropy for Alpha Omicron Pi. “We wanted to organize an event geared towards women where we could give them tools to protect themselves.” The sorority has a longstanding connection to the Arthritis Society of Canada. They hold many “Strike Out Arthritis” fundraising events to raise awareness for the cause and collect donations towards educational resources, supporting families impacted by the disease, and research aimed at finding a cure.
The self-defence class was bursting with energy and fun, where students learned basic martial arts moves for self-defence and MMA fighting, from take-downs and learning how to fall properly, to arm-bars from grappling positions and the rear-naked choke. It was a welcoming and safe environment where participants could unwind from exam stress, try something new, and support a meaningful cause. “Since ultimate fighting is a little more niche, we hoped that through this event we could open a new world to people who had no experience in the area,” Whitty added. The workshop empowered participants to broaden their horizons by creating a judgment-free space where they could step outside their comfort zones and learn the fundamentals of a valuable life-skill.
The event reflected Alpha Omicron Pi’s broader mission to inspire ambition and invest in women’s empowerment, showing how philanthropy and sisterhood go hand in hand. Through the workshop’s blending of charity and empowerment, AOII highlighted how acts of goodwill – whether it’s donating, teaching, learning, or simply being respectful and supportive towards others – can strengthen communities and build confidence among individuals.
AOII hosts numerous philanthropic events throughout the school year for various important causes such as the annual “Warmth of Pies” fundraiser for causes that support children’s and women’s organizations, including hospitals and shelters. The sorority remains committed to serving the community through partnerships with charities and hands-on volunteering, showing how giving back and inspiring others to do the same are at the heart of their sisterhood. Keep an eye out for their next event!
