Niagara College students are once again supporting and benefitting from the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) St. Catharines Club’s Annual House and Garden Tour, happening on June 5.
The event raises funds for scholarships, bursaries and awards supporting women entering postsecondary education, including two bursaries for NC students – the CFUW Laura Sabia Bursary and CFUW St. Catharines Bursary.
Last year, the CFUW called upon NC’s Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program to assist in pivoting the organization’s traditional in-person event to a virtual garden tour that could be filmed safely outdoors and streamed online. Due to the overwhelming success of the 2021 event, the CFUW reengaged the College this year to deliver the online platform for the fundraiser, which now includes both in-person and virtual ticket options. While the in-person tour takes place on June 5, the virtual tour is viewable from June 5 to 19 on the CFUW’s YouTube channel.
“Last year’s virtual garden tour was a success and we’re building on that experience to broaden our appeal. We’re fortunate that Niagara College remains a partner to make this happen, especially the students and staff of the Broadcasting – Radio, TV and Film Department,” said Barb Legg, House and Garden Tour Committee Co-chair in a media release.
The tour features five unique properties, as well as one sprawling garden, which happens to be at the home of NC President Emeritus Dan Patterson, who led the College from 1995 to 2020. The park-like space, incorporating elements of an English garden, yet eclectic in design, was cared for by Patterson’s late wife, Saundra, who enjoyed gardening as a passion project. Over the years, Saundra created a lush and welcoming outdoor environment at the Patterson abode that was meant to be shared with others.
The idea of opening up the gardens for people to enjoy was an important driver for Patterson in showcasing the space through the CFUW fundraiser. Raising funds for student scholarships and providing an applied learning opportunity for NC’s Broadcasting students sealed the deal for his involvement.
“Seeing NC students participate in experiential learning is really important,” said Patterson. “Education is at its best when it connects the classroom to the realities of the real world and in this case, students are able to practice their knowledge, experience and skills in developing a virtual tour of homes and gardens.”
This year’s online production involved a team of second and third-year BRTF students led by Mason Lau-Daisley, who just completed his final year and will be graduating this June. The students captured footage at each property, conducted interviews with homeowners and edited the content to create nine videos for the virtual tour.
“Working as the lead on the CFUW project was an advancing experience that I am honoured to have had the privilege of being a part of,” said Lau-Daisley.
Lau-Daisley noted that his role managing the project was a significant learning experience. “I was able to learn how to properly focus on management roles, and overall assure the organization and efficiency of the project. Aside from shooting with the crew, I was in charge of scheduling and the confirmation of shoot dates, as well as assuring preparedness.”
By helping the CFUW’s fundraising efforts, Patterson noted how the experience also teaches students social responsibility – a core feature of a college education. “With their work they’re able to help raise more money that will support student success,” he said.
Since Saundra’s passing in January 2021, Patterson has found comfort in tending to his gardens as a peaceful and therapeutic activity. “Gardening has been a source of satisfaction for me as it ties me to Saundra,” he said.
Patterson has been busy preparing the gardens for the tour with the help of friends and students from NC’s Horticulture programs. He hopes the garden tour will also shine a light on the College’s School of Environment and Horticulture and Teaching Greenhouse.
Tickets for the event are available through Eventbrite at a cost of $30 for the in-person tour or $15 for the virtual tour. For information about the featured properties and how to purchase tickets, visit www.cfuwstcatharines.org.
