For the 15th year, Niagara College students are reaching out to make a difference in the community through their Many Hands renovation project. Lincoln County Branch of the St. John Ambulance has been chosen to be this year’s recipient.
Many Hands is a community-driven project organized by Niagara College students in the Event Management Graduate Certificate program and the Construction Studies program. Each year, students assist a not-for-profit organization by enhancing, improving and renovating its facility.
Shelley Merlo, professor/coordinator of the Event Management program, who is an advisor for the Many Hands project, said Many Hands is a living laboratory for students.
“The students learn quickly the value of giving back to the community, the importance of fundraising events, what they can do for the community and, importantly, the Niagara Region,” she said.
The college’s Event Management students plan, produce and execute fundraising events to promote the project. So far, they are planning four fundraisers to support the St. John Ambulance effort. Construction students plan and execute the renovations. At St. John Ambulance, they will work to make the building accessible, replace the windows, create new storage areas for teaching materials, and update rooms to accommodate training courses that are offered, including the therapy dog training program. Some examples of materials required will include dry wall, new flooring, windows and doors. Construction is scheduled to take place from January to April 2012.
Located in St. Catharines, St. John Ambulance is a vital organization that serves the entire Niagara Region. Its volunteers and very minimal staff host and teach first aid classes as well as participate in and offer first aid services for a variety of community events. Their mission is to enable Canadians to improve their health, safety and quality of life by providing training (first aid) and community services (health and safety).
Brad Kempston, vice-chair. Board of Directors at St. John Ambulance Lincoln Branch, said they are thrilled to be this year’s recipient of the Many Hands renovation project.
“The anticipated renovations will breathe new life into a tired building by facilitating ease of access for all users and by providing upgraded training and administrative facilities,” he said. “The planned improvements are a good fit into the building renewal program which began two years ago with a new roof on the building and updated heating and ventilation systems. It will better enable us to accomplish our mission which is to enable Canadians to improve their health, safety, and quality of life by providing training through courses (First Aid, CPR/ED, Babysitting, Car Seat Installation, Pet First Aid ) and Community Services (Medical First Responders, Therapy Dogs and Cadets).”
For project information, sponsorship inquires or volunteer opportunities, please visit
www.NiagaraCollege.ca/ManyHands.
