As Event Management students prepare to launch College’s 24th annual Many Hands Project for 2019-2020, the project received recognition from its latest recipient.
Kim Rossi, director of Philanthropy and PR, from Pathstone Foundation, visited the College’s Event Management students on September 23. Rossi met with the new students to discuss the impact that the Many Hands Project had on Pathstone’s ability to provide resources and programming to those in need. The non-profit organization in St. Catharines raises funds to support various programs and services geared to improving the mental health of children within the Niagara region.
Rossi presented a commemorative plaque to program coordinator, Christine Blane, in recognition of more than $40,000 that was raised for Pathstone during the 2019 Many Hands Project.
“Pathstone Foundation found it most fitting that the Many Hands team at Niagara College was recognized for their extraordinary work in planning four exceptional events to support our cause,” said Rossi. “This token was a small gesture on our part that NC can showcase on campus as we have hung the same plaque at our Foundation as well.”
Blane noted that the initial proposed project was to fund Pathstone’s art-therapy program, which utilizes a combination of art and play to assist children with communicating their traumas, stories and experiences in a safe environment.
“With overwhelming support from the community and the efforts of last year’s Event Management students, the anticipated fundraising goals were surpassed,” said Blane.
Extra funding has allowed Pathstone to redirect resources to four additional initiatives. They have supported a Playground and Healing Garden and a ‘Pieces of Me’ initiative where children are ‘commissioned’ to work with reputable artists and create pieces of art. Funds were also used to stock art supplies at Merrittville School where art-play therapy is used, and to provide healthy snacks and drinks for patients at the Trauma Clinic.
Event Management students are in the process of selecting the 2020 Annual Recipient of the Many Hands Project, which is now in its 24th year. Applications were received over the summer and, over the next few weeks, students will visit various non-profit agencies in Niagara. The chosen recipient will be announced to the community to kick off this year’s Project.
Run by the Event Management graduate certificate program of the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport, NC’s Many Hands Project has been assisting non-profit organizations throughout Niagara since 1998. Event Management students will plan and execute fundraising events throughout the 2019-2020 academic year to raise money for the selected recipient. The project will rejuvenate the facilities of a local non-profit organization in a one- or two-day upgrade, or provide resources for programming that supports Niagara region’s vulnerable citizens.
