NC employees put their best foot forward for a good cause during the NC Cares Step Challenge, collectively logging nearly three million steps while supporting the College’s 2026 United Way workplace campaign.
Held from October 26 to November 1, the week-long challenge brought together 35 NC employees who embraced some friendly competition, stayed active and connected with colleagues, all while raising funds to support individuals and families in need across Niagara.
Together, participants recorded 2,957,734 steps, covering more than 2,163 kilometres throughout the challenge.
NC employee Cynthia Manzo won the challenge with an impressive 270,052 steps over seven days, averaging more than 38,500 steps per day.
For her achievement, Manzo received a $100 NCSAC gift card and NC swag.
Manzo shared that participating in the challenge was a rewarding opportunity to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and contribute to a meaningful cause.
“It was so fun to be part of this and contribute to a good cause at the same time,” said Manzo.
Taking advantage of the beautiful fall weather, Manzo spent time exploring the scenic trails surrounding NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, including the Laura Secord Trail and Bruce Trail.
“We were so fortunate with the weather we had during the week of the Step Challenge and so lucky to have beautiful trails around this campus to walk around and get our steps in,” she said. “I was able to enjoy the sounds of birds just waking up, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Finches, so much beauty at our fingertips right here on campus.”
The Step Challenge was one of several fundraising initiatives organized through the 2026 NC Cares in a United Way workplace campaign. Employees contributed $10 to participate, with proceeds supporting United Way Golden Horseshoe and its network of local agencies and community programs.
NC congratulates Cynthia on her achievement and thanks all employees who participated in the challenge and helped support this important cause.
There’s still time to support NC Cares
There are still many opportunities for NC employees to get involved in the 2026 NC Cares in a United Way workplace campaign.
One of the easiest ways to give is through NC’s online payroll deduction program, where employees can select a donation amount that works for them or make a one-time contribution.
Employees can also support the campaign through upcoming fundraising initiatives:
- Teaching Salon Cut-a-Thon – November 25: NC Hairstyling students will offer $15 haircuts (cash only) from 9 a.m. to noon at the Teaching Salon at the Welland Campus, with all proceeds supporting United Way Golden Horseshoe.
- Big Box of Cards fundraiser – Orders open until November 20: Purchase a box of 35 greeting cards for $35, with $11 from each box supporting United Way Golden Horseshoe. Choose from All Occasions, Birthdays or Holidays.
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Teaching Greenhouse Poinsettias – Available starting next week: Purchase a six-inch poinsettia grown by NC students at NC’s Teaching Greenhouse (Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake) for $11.99, with $1 from each sale supporting the NC Cares campaign.
For more information about the campaign and other ways to get involved, visit the NC Cares website.
