NC is taking a stand against gender based violence- and a dozen male employees are ready to step up in brightly coloured shoes to Walk a Mile for Gillian’s Place.
Numerous initiatives are underway on campus to support Gillian’s Place as part of its annual Walk a Mile campaign, which is marking its twentieth year.
Leading the charge from NC is Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies, who was selected by Gillian’s Place as an official ambassador for the 2026 Walk a Mile campaign. Youdale also served as an ambassador in 2024 and has been supporting the Gillian’s Place annual pancake breakfast at the St. Catharines Market Square – backed by volunteers from the School of Culinary Arts and Benchmark behind the griddle – for the past 10 years with support from the Community Relations and Event
“I have always felt that Gillian’s Place does such amazing work and I enjoy finding opportunities to support them,” said Youdale, who noted that the College has been a long-time supporter of Walk A Mile.
“This is the second time I have been asked to be an ambassador and it’s an honour to try and bring attention to a great organization and an important issue in our community.”
Under Youdale’s leadership, the ‘NC Walk Stars” have formed – a growing team of more than a dozen staff and faculty members who have volunteered to join Youdale in the Walk a Mile event on Saturday, October 17 at the Pen Centre. To date, the recruits include Duane Bender, Erik Mauke, Jon Downing, Victor Oliveira, Matt Orr, Greg Stout, Gary Torraville, Michael Wales and NC SAC President, Hish Clifford.
Support the NC Walk Stars
To support the Walk Stars in their fundraising efforts for Gillian’s Place, departments across the College are launching a series of creative fundraising initiatives.
High-heel cookies
Starting Oct. 7, high-heel sugar cookies will debut at the Culinary Arts Cafe, Undergrounds, The Shack and the NC Craft Beverage Centre in support of Gillian’s Place in support of Gillian’s Place. To support the initiative, over 500 cookies were carefully prepared and decorated by student volunteers from the Baking and Pastry Arts program, led by Chef Professor Catherine O’Donnell
The students volunteered their own time to bake, pipe and detail the cookies with intricate designs. The project proved to be about more than practicing their pastry skills – it was “milk and cookies” for the soul.
“I didn’t really know what it was about at first, but I do a lot of volunteering and it was really fun to do,” said student Mikayla Langdon, who took on the baking. “It’s nice to know it’s for a good cause.”
“It was a very good learning experience as a Baking student, but it was great to learn about more about the project behind the cookies as well,” said Sky Paul.
The high-heel cookies will be available for purchase starting October 7 ($2) while supplies last.
Purple Mile Saison
The NC Craft Beverage Centre is also getting into the spirit with a unique custom brew, Purple Mile Saison. The purple-infused beer, made with butterfly pea flower to create its unique hue, was specially crafted by Brewmaster Professor Jon Downing, along with staff and students at the Teaching Brewery.
“I’m proud to support Gillian’s Place and since I’m on the NC Team that will Walk a Mile on October 17,” said Downing. “Creating a beer to honour Gillian’s Place was a way staff and students at the Teaching Brewery to get into the spirit of creating awareness for this important initiative for its milestone twentieth year.”
With about 200 cans available, the special brew will be available for purchase at the NC Craft Beverage Centre starting October 7 while supplies last (also available at the Core and Armoury.)
Coffee for the Walk Stars
A special Coffee Day is percolating.
On Wednesday, October 7, in the Culinary Arts café, all proceeds from coffee sales will be donated to Gillian’s Place. Product to support this initiative at the Culinary Arts Café was donated by Barclay and Todd’s Coffee Co.
On Thursday, October 8, NCSAC will also host a Coffee Day for Gillian’s Place o (Undergrounds, The Shack). All proceeds from coffee sales will be donated to Gillian’s Place. Product to support this initiative with NCSAC was donated by Nestle.
NC Craft tasting promotion
NC Craft will offer one complimentary beer or wine tasting flight with a $15 donation to Gillian’s Place. The promotion will run from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7 through 4 p.m. on Friday, October 9. Gillian’s Place will provide signage and cash collection buckets for the donations.
Terms and conditions:
- Offer has no cash value and is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- The tasting must be redeemed on the same day as the donation.
- One tasting flight per person.
- No rain checks.
- Participants must be 19 years of age or older.
Get involved
Donate directly. Visit the NC Walk Stars team page here.
Buy a high-heel cookie (Culinary Arts Cafe, Undergrounds, The Shack, NC Craft Beverage Centre) on October 7.
Buy a coffee on October 7 (Culinary Arts Café) or on October 8 (The Shack, Undergrounds).
Raise a glass with Purple Mile Saison which debuts on October 7 (while supplies last).
Support NC Craft tasting promotion October 7-9.
Cheer on the NC Walk Stars at the Walk a Mile Event on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Niagara Pen Centre (St. Catharines).
Join the Team
Those interested in participating in Walk a Mile with the NC Walk Stars may contact Craig Youdale or Sarah Scott.
