From custom purple beer and tastings, to high-heel cookies and charity coffee runs, the NC community is putting its best foot forward to support Gillian’s Place and the 2026 Walk a Mile campaign.
“I am so proud of how some many people across Niagara College have jumped in to make this a success, with cookies selling out quickly and so many areas pitching in for this important community operation,” said Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies.
Youdale was selected by Gillian’s Place as an official ambassador for the 2026 Walk a Mile campaign – a role he also held in 2024. For the past decade, he has championed Gillian’s Place annual pancake breakfast at the St. Catharines Market Square, with volunteers from the School of Culinary Arts and Benchmark Restaurant running the griddle – with support from the Community Relations and Events team.
NC Walk Stars
Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies, is ready to lead a team of NC Walk Stars in the Gillian’s Place Walk a Mile fundraiser.
Under Youdale’s leadership, the NC Walk Stars have formed: a growing team of more than a dozen staff and faculty members gearing up to walk a mile – some in heels – on Saturday, October 17 at the Pen Centre. To date, recruits include Duane Bender, Hish Clifford, Jon Downing, Erik Mauke, Victor Oliveira, Matt Orr, Greg Stout, Gary Torraville, and Michael Wales.
“Gillian’s Place does vital work in Niagara, and deserves our community’s attention every day, not just one day a year. Niagara College is community first, and NCSAC encourages our students to get involved both on campus and off. Walk A Mile is a great example of what that looks like.,” said NCSAC President Hish Clifford who will be embarking on his second walk.
“I had a lot of fun last year and almost broke my ankles a few times, but I’m told I look great in heels, so I’m back for more,” Clifford said. “The laughs are part of it, but the real point is starting conversations about gender-based violence and making sure people know where to find help.”
Donate directly. Visit the NC Walk Stars team page here.
Campus initiatives in full swing
Students from the Baking and Pastry Arts program volunteer to bake and decorate 500 high-heel sugar cookies as part of NC’s fundraising efforts for Gillian’s Place.
NC Craft tasting
Until Friday, October 9 at 4 p.m., NC Craft is offering one complimentary beer or wine tasting flight with a $15 donation to Gillian’s Place (ages 19 and over; one flight per person; same-day redemption only; non-refundable with no cash value).
High-heel sugar cookies
Student volunteers from the Baking and Pastry Arts program, led by Chef Professor Catherine O’Donnell, whipped up signature high-heel sugar cookies, available for purchase while supplies last at Culinary Arts Cafe, Undergrounds, The Shack and the NC Craft Beverage Centre on October 7 in support of Gillian’s Place. Cookies have sold out at the NC Craft Beverage Centre but remain available at other locations while supplies last.
Purple Mile Saison
Toast to the cause with a limited-edition brew crafted by Brewmaster Professor – and NC Walk Star – Jon Downing, alongside Teaching Brewery staff and students from the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program. Brewed with butterfly pea flower for its vibrant hue, cans are available while supplies last at the NC Craft Beverage Centre, The Core and The Armory.
Coffee for the Walk Stars
Campus hotspots hosted ‘coffee days’ with all proceeds from coffee sales from the Culinary Arts Café (October 7), NCSAC’s Undergrounds and The Shack (October 8) donated to Gillian’s Place.
How to get involved
- Donate directly. Visit the NC Walk Stars team page here.
- 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.
