Students raised over $600 to show their appreciation for campus champion
Bob, the owner of the well-loved campus lunch spot Bob’s Dogs, was recently gifted with a brand-new guitar from some of the many students who love him.
Third-year engineering student Jonathan MacPherson started fundraising last semester through the website Tilt.com. The goal was to buy Bob a Christmas present to show him how much he was appreciated.
Students contributed a total of $628, which went toward buying Bob a new guitar, strap, and stand.
A video shared to the Overheard at Guelph Facebook page shows Bob receiving his guitar along with his thrilled reaction, which included hugging everybody present to say thanks.
“I never expected something like this,” Bob said in an interview with The Ontarion. “It breaks my heart—in a good way.”
Bob, whose full name is Bogdan Izdebski, first came to Canada from Poland 20 years ago. He has been selling hot dogs and veggie dogs from his stand on campus for the past 18 years.
Bob is well known among students for his delicious dogs as well as his melodic guitar playing and whistling skills. However, what is most remarkable about Bob, is his attitude.
Students all over campus frequent Bob’s dogs not just for an affordable lunch, but also for his positive spirit. Bob is known for being kind and encouraging to all those around him. For university students struggling with academics, personal lives, and much more, one kind face can sometimes make a huge difference.
Despite whatever else may be going on in the world, students’ love for Bob has remained constant. Amid times of drastic political and social change and uncertainty, Bob and his dogs remind students of some of the best parts of the University of Guelph community. With his optimism, compassion, and delectable food choices, Bob is an excellent representative of the Gryphon spirit.
Bob enjoys being on campus, and especially loves being around the students. “I love my life,” Bob told The Ontarion, “This is my happiness.”
He says he connects the gift with an article that appeared in The Ontarion last August, in which Bob said, “I love you all so much… Just because you’re so cute.”
His new guitar from the students came engraved with the message, “We love you too Bob. –Guelph Gryphons.”
Photo by Mariah Bridgeman/The Ontarion.