Students in Niagara College’s Event Management program are hard at work organizing a series of fundraisers to support Pathstone Mental Health, the 2019 recipient of this year’s Many Hands Project.

The annual project sees students in the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport support a local community non-profit organization with fundraising, marketing and public awareness of the agency. With no budget, students build all aspects of their campaign, from venue selection, sponsorship and fundraising to social media, marketing and execution. Each year, students keep the events fresh, adding twists and finding new ways to engage the community.

“Our students have planned some excellent events and I’m proud of their efforts and creativity,” said Vivian Kinnaird, dean of Business, Hospitality and Environment. “The Many Hands Project gives students in the Event Management program the opportunity to apply their learning and help prepare them for their careers, all while making significant contributions to the non-profit community in Niagara.”

Four fundraising events have been planned, which are all open to the public, to take place in March and April. Proceeds from the fundraisers will go directly towards Pathstone Mental Health’s Art Therapy program.

The first event is Designer Handbag Bingo, a classic game with a stylish twist where designer bags are up for grabs on March 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre in Thorold. This event is sold out with 250 guests expected.

Next is Rise and Shine Yoga, a wellness-packed morning starting with a yoga class followed by a breakfast buffet, mimosas and smoothies, silent auction and more on March 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Meridian Community Centre in Pelham.

Turntable Trivia is the third event in the series on March 29 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Canadian Polish Society in St. Catharines. The retro-themed trivia night will feature music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, raffle prizes, food and drinks.

The final event, Taps, Apps & Laughs on April 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Beechwood Golf and Social House, is a comedy show featuring David Green and supporting acts. Guests can enjoy an appetizer, local beer and vie for a chance to win a raffle prize.

“We are truly grateful that the staff and students from the Event Management program felt a strong connection to Pathstone Mental Health. Research has shown us that art therapy is an effective way to treat anxiety, stress, depression and other mental and emotional issues,” said Kim Rossi, director of philanthropy and PR at Pathstone Mental Health. “Funds raised through the Many Hands Project will enhance our program, allowing our clients to promote self-expression, feelings, and emotions in a purposeful and creative way.”

With the support of their lead sponsor Canadian Tire Bank contributing $1,250 to each of the four event teams, they hope to raise $5,000 at each event in support of Pathstone Mental Health.

“Being able to plan and execute an event in support of the Many Hands Project was the biggest draw for me when deciding to return to school for the Event Management post-graduate program,” said student Leah Letford, who graduated from NC’s Business Administration Marketing program in 2003. “I was excited that the program supported local charities and not-for-profits while providing a learning opportunity for students. Having an opportunity to learn a concept and then apply it to the Many Hands Project means I have hands-on, current industry experience when I graduate.”

NC has been committed to the Many Hands Project since its launch in 1998, and has made a lasting impact on the Niagara region over the past two decades thanks to the creative efforts of NC students and faculty, and community support for local non-profits.

For more information about the Many Hands Project, visit niagaracollege.ca/manyhands.

For tickets and event details, visit: manyhandsevents.wixsite.com/mhpevents/2019-events 

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara diagnosed with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, Pathstone is able to address and meet the needs of children and their families as the only accredited provider of mental health services for children in Niagara. Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

Event Management is a one-year graduate certificate program at Niagara College that prepares graduates for a career in a fast-paced and multifaceted industry. Students develop skills in planning and logistics, public relations, marketing and sponsorship strategies, and volunteer and risk management in a highly experiential learning environment.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7368
Cell: 905 328 2532
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Mike Wales
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