Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre has been selected as this year’s recipient of Niagara’ College’s annual Many Hands project.
Now in its 20th year, Many Hands requires that students “plan, co-ordinate and execute a renovation of a local community non-profit organization, including fundraising, volunteer management, technical operations, hospitality and public relations initiatives,” according to the news release.
For this project, beginning in January, Hotel Dieu will undergo renovations by students in the college’s construction programs. The project will also be co-ordinated and supported by students in the college’s Event Management Graduate Certificate program.
Work will include “creating a physical and cognitive rehabilitation space by incorporating real-world obstacles such as shopping, banking and a dining experience” with the goal of helping patients relearn daily living skills and regain their independence.
The media release announcing the project quotes CEO of Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre as saying, “Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre’s patients will benefit from this project as it will give them the skills they need for independent living after a life-impacting health change.”
Christine Blane, NC professor and Event Management Program co-ordinator said, “For 20 years, the Many Hands project has been an incredible demonstration of community engagement, that when combined with education, has provided students with the tools required for a successful career. We are excited to partner with Hotel Dieu as they provide support to the entire Niagara region.”
Niagara College students have raised $150,000 for local non-profit agencies over the past five years and have contributed 42,000 hours of volunteer placement work through the program.
