Community spirit was on the menu on November 3.
NC staff and students gathered at the St. Catharines Market Square to support Gillian’s Place for its annual Wrapped in Courage Pancake Breakfast. The event aimed to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, as well as to promote the vital supports Gillian’s Place offers.
NC’s Community Relations and Events (CRE) team led NC’s involvement, with essential support from the School of Culinary Arts and Benchmark team. Vibrant centerpieces were provided by the NC Teaching Greenhouse, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities Office (SRRO) also chipped in.
“It’s such a great event; we’ve been proud to support Gillian’s Place for more than 10 years,” said Sarah Scott, Community Relations and Events Specialist.
Scott highlighted that CRE continues to champion this event, working together with Benchmark Chef Justin Downes and his team. They contacted various suppliers who generously donated the goods – from linens, pancake mix and syrup to butter, juice and whipped cream – which made it possible for NC to continue whipping up support for the annual event. This year, they added a sprinkle of campaign spirit with purple toppings.
“This is really important to us; we’ve been supporting Gillian’s Place for many years. Something as simple as making a pancake can really support a great organization and help those in need,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies. “It’s really important that the students have a sense of social responsibility so they can bring their skills to the community.”
NC employees, students and volunteers from CRE and Culinary Arts collaborate for the annual Pancake Breakfast.
Students rise to the occasion
Chef Downes and his dedicated team of staff, students, and volunteers were on-site before the crack of dawn to prepare and serve pancakes and sausages.
“We typically don’t do breakfast in Benchmark, so this is another learning opportunity for students to be a part of it,” said Downes. “I think it feeds into their passion. It feeds into their love for the industry.
“It’s a good event to show that we don’t always need to do things for dollars and cents; It’s about giving back to the community.”
For Culinary Management student Jonathan James, who traveled from Vermont to pursue his culinary dreams at NC, it was his first time at the griddle.
“It’s experience for me, and it’s good for the community,” he said. “I’ve never flipped pancakes before.”
Culinary Management student Andrea Bolanos, originally from Ecuador, also enjoyed the spirit of giving back.
“I’m from Ecuador and this is new for me. It’s not usual in our country; it’s really Canadian,” she said. “I think it’s really nice … to bring something that you learn to people is really important.”
View Your TV segment
YourTV Niagara was on the scene to capture community spirit in action. Watch the video below featuring NC’s Vice-President of Advancement Gord Arbeau, along with representatives from Gillian’s Place.
Stepping up support for a good cause
The dedication to Gillian’s Place didn’t end with breakfast. NC’s CRE Team, the School of Culinary Arts, and the SRRO also went the distance to participate in Walk a Mile in HER Shoes: The Men’s March to end Violence Against Women on October 18.
NC’s team of nine, including students, took part in the event at the Pen Centre, demonstrating that supporting the community is a core ingredient of the NC student experience.
November is Women Abuse Prevention Month and the launch of the Wrapped in Courage Campaign . For more information about Gillian’s Place and the Wrapped in Courage campaign click here.
