Brick by brick, a group of Brock employees this week helped a St. Catharines community organization that aids others on a daily basis.

Clearing nearly 5,000 patio bricks, the Brock staff members helped give a fresh start to the tired playground at Bethlehem Housing and Support Services. The old playground is being removed to make way for a new naturalized play area.

The effort, along with that of a second team helping out Wednesday and Thursday at the YWCA, was part of Brock’s Volunteer Week initiative that saw more than 50 employees from the University giving up their time to help others.

“It’s very encouraging to see more Brock employee volunteers joining this initiative each year,” said Kathryn Walker, Manager, Health Management and Wellness at Brock. “I would like to thank our community partners for these opportunities and thank our volunteers for taking time to help in the various projects offered. I hope this will also increase awareness about the supports available in our community and encourage staff to continue to support these organizations in the future.”

At the YWCA Niagara Region, the Brock volunteers cleaned and painted a dining room, stairwells and doors, and helped stuff 2,000 copies of a newsletter to be mailed out across Niagara.

At Bethlehem Housing, the group completed the prep work that needed to be done before the new naturalized playground could be installed.

“This naturalized play space will facilitate participation in our Early Learning Centre programs that will enhance development for children and improve the quality of life for families that live at Bethlehem Place and in the surrounding area,” said Jennifer Sinclair, Philanthropy Manager for Bethlehem Housing and Support.

“Brock University is pleased to partner with Bethlehem Housing and Support Services to support the important work they are doing in our community for local families,” said Kristen Smith, Manager of Student and Community Outreach.

A group of Brock University employees volunteered their time at Bethlehem Housing and Support Services in St. Catharines Wednesday and Thursday during National Volunteer Week.