Marking the twentieth anniversary of the Men’s March to End Violence Against Women, a team of Niagara College Walk Stars went the distance for a critical cause.
On October 17, they gathered in colourful footwear -i ncluding high heels – at the Pen Centre for the twentieth anniversary Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, to raise awareness and funds in support of Gillian’s Place. NC’s team raised $2,766 through community pledges supporting the walk. An additional $1,400 was generated through on-campus initiatives including cookie and coffee sales, making NC’s fundraising total $4,166 for this year’s campaign.
Craig Youdale, Dean of Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies who is serving as an ambassador for the Gillian’s Place campaign for the second time this year, praised the collaborative effort.
“It is incredibly moving to see the College community come together with such passion and dedication,” said Youdale. “Walking in heels is a small gesture but it represents our unwavering commitment to supporting survivors and ending gender-based violence.”
“Gillian’s Place is abundantly grateful to the Niagara College Walk Stars for yet again proving they are brave enough to Walk a Mile in Her Shoes,” said Graeme Dargavel, Director of Development and Communications, Gillian’s Place. “The team showed up in a big way through recruitment of brave men, fundraising, and various on campus initiatives, which helped Gillian’s Place make the twentieth Men’s March to End Violence Against Women the most successful yet.
“The team’s advocacy and support will help us move more women and children to safety this coming year.”
NC Walk Stars included Duane Bender, Dean, Media, Trades and Technology Division; Hish Clifford, President, Niagara College Student Administrative Council; Jon Downing, Brewmaster Professor; Erik Mauke, Part-time Chef Instructor; Victor Oliveira, Manager of Catering and Special Events; Greg Stout, Coordinator, Finance/Inventory/Purchasing, Culinary; Jason Talbot, FMS; Gary Torraville, Senior Director, Enterprises; and Michael Wales, Director, Communications.
The Walk Stars expressed strong support for the initiative along with enthusiastic team spirit.
“Violence against women isn’t a women’s issue to solve alone.” said Clifford. “Men need to be part of the conversation, and showing up publicly is one simple way to do that.”
“This is an opportunity that goes beyond fundraising; it’s a chance to be an ally, to build awareness and to take a stand against gender-based violence – as men and as a College community,” said Wales. “I hope that it generates reflection, discussion and understanding of the causes and effects of gender-based violence and the steps needed to confront it.”
“As a dad with daughters, I believe it’s important for men to take an active role in ending violence against women by standing together, raising awareness, and challenging behaviours and attitudes that contribute to violence,” said Bender. “Supporting the March sends a strong message that we all share a responsibility to build safer, more respectful communities for everyone.“
Campus initiatives to support this year’s campaign for Gillian’s Place included the sale of high-heel sugar cookies, which were baked by a team of student volunteers from the Baking and Pastry Arts program, led by Chef Professor Catherine O’Donnell; ‘coffee days’ at the Culinary Arts Café (October 7), and NCSAC’s Undergrounds and The Shack (October 8) when all proceeds from coffee sales were donated to Gillian’s Place; complimentary beer or wine tasting flights at the NC Craft Beverage Centre on October 9 to anyone who donated $15 to Gillian’s Place; and even a special Purple Mile Saison limited edition brew crafted by Brewmaster Professor Downing, alongside Teaching Brewery staff and students from the Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program, to raise awareness for the cause.
“The NC team proudly represented the College, bringing full NC spirit and enthusiasm to Gillian’s Place Walk a Mile,” said Sarah Scott, Community Relations and Events Specialist who organized the College’s efforts. “It was truly inspiring to see more than 33 teams and over 200 walkers come together in support of such an important cause.”
Save the date: Pancake breakfast
NC is also a long-time supporter of the Wrapped in Courage Pancake Breakfast for Gillian’s Place. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, November 3 at Market Square in St. Catharines. For details visit: gilliansplace.com/wrappedincourage/
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