NC community opens hearts to Ukraine

The Niagara College community is taking the war in Ukraine to heart.

Handwritten messages of hope and support penned with care upon notes bearing blue and yellow hearts – the colours of the Ukrainian flag – are now on display inside the Welland and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. A banner stretching above the message display states clearly what their sentiments reveal: Niagara College hearts are with the people of Ukraine.

The displays are located outside the International division at both campuses – hubs for students from around the world who have left their homelands to study at the College.

“As the world watches Ukraine, we recognize that the tragedy hits close to home for many in our NC community,” said President Sean Kennedy. “Our hearts and thoughts are with our students, staff and faculty members from Ukraine and surrounding areas, and all those who have been impacted by recent events. Know that the NC community stands with you and supports you.”

Gary Torraville, Director, International, said that much of the Division’s immediate focus has been on the mental wellbeing of students who have been affected. While international students may typically experience feelings of disconnection from their families and friends, Torraville noted that those impacted by the situation underway in Ukraine have been experiencing escalated fear and anxiety for the safety and well-being of their loved ones, which can severely hamper their ability to focus on their studies.

“As a College community, we provide more than just an education to students while they are with us. In their time of need we become their security blanket and their main source of support and care while away from their family and other loved ones,” said Torraville. “We, in essence, become their home away from home.

“When world events occur like this current situation in Ukraine, I am always so proud of the way all areas of the College come together to show that level of care and support that NC is known for.”

In addition to ensuring that students who have been impacted by recent events have mental and emotional support during this challenging time, and continuing to work with students on a one-on-one basis as needed, International has also been working with all students who have been impacted to ensure that there are no financial hardships incurred due to loss of bank transfer abilities. They are supporting students with flexible payment options and looking into other ways of assisting students financially.

“We are working closely with students who express any of these issues so that they can try and focus on their studies and their own mental and physical wellbeing,” said Torraville.

Write messages of support

 

Students and employees may write messages of support on the displays located near International (S100 in Welland and W005 in Niagara-on-the-Lake). Student Assistants from International are on site to help. For those who are studying or working remotely, messages may also be submitted online at forms.gle/pozeGjUw6aVfc9Px7. Staff from Engagement will transcribe messages received via online forms and place them on the displays.

Solidarity brews

Support for Ukraine is also pouring in from the NC Teaching Brewery. On March 7, Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing and students from the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program brewed a new beer to show support and promote awareness: Resist – Ukrainian Anti Imperial Stout. The beer’s recipe is based on one initiated by Drinkers for Ukraine to show solidarity with brewers and the beer community in Ukraine.

Later this month, Downing and students will also brew a Ukrainian Golden Ale, using a recipe developed from Pravda brewery in Lviv, Ukraine, which has halted beer production to make Molotov cocktails during the war.

The Teaching Brewery’s Resist – Ukrainian Anti Imperial Stout is expected to be available in April and Ukrainian Golden Ale is expected to be released in May. Watch for further details to be posted on InsideNC.

Donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal

Through a matching fund launched on February 25 in response to the humanitarian crises in Ukraine, the Government of Canada is matching donations made by individual Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross, dollar for dollar, until March 18 up to a maximum of $10 million.

To make a donation, visit Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal online or call 1-800-418-1111.

With the matching fund contribution, the Red Cross will support preparedness, immediate and ongoing relief efforts, and other critical humanitarian activities as the needs of people affected by the conflict in Ukraine arise, including support to populations that have been displaced.

Resources for students and employees

As announced in a College communication on February 26, resources are available for students and employees who are in need of support during this difficult time.

Students in need of support during the College’s hours of operation can reach out to Health Wellness and Accessibility Services at [email protected] or call 905-735-2211 ext. 7778 (Welland Campus) or 905-641-2252 ext. 4409 (Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake).

Good2Talk offers 24/7 support for post-secondary students via toll-free phone, text, and Facebook Messenger.

Students can also access the Mental Wellness Student Support Program  keep.meSAFE, which offers confidential support 24/7 through chat and phone in over 40 languages via the free My SSP App or by phone at 1-844-451-9700 (or 001.416.380.6578 from outside North America)

Employees have access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program for counselling and other wellness supports via their website or by phone at 1-800-663-1142.

For urgent crisis support, Distress Centre Niagara provides 24/7 telephone support across Niagara. For other crisis services, visit the HWAS website at niagaracollege.ca/hwas/crisis.