Ahead of International Women's Day last year, a workshop at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts also honoured the global movement Days for Girls.With a needle and thread — and a little direction — Brock students can do their part during the upcoming Reading Week to help young women around the world stay in school.
Days for Girls is one of three local volunteer opportunities available this month through the University’s Alternative Reading Week (ARW) — Local program. The Niagara-based initiatives complement two ARW trips destined for Peru and South Carolina over the February break.
Days for Girls, new to the ARW calendar, has volunteers create feminine hygiene kits to send to women in developing nations, helping to ensure they can continue their educational journey.
Held Thursday, Feb. 21 at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts in downtown St. Catharines, the sewing workshop requires no prior experience. Financial donations towards the cause will also be accepted.
ARW — Local will also see the return of Brock volunteers to Heartland Forest’s Winterfest event on Monday, Feb. 18. Students will help with the play area, food court, crafts, registration, train rides and other activities taking place both inside and outside at the Niagara Falls nature centre.
The week’s activities will wrap up Saturday, Feb. 23, when the entire Brock community is invited to participate in the Coldest Night of the Year walk in downtown St. Catharines. The two-, five- or 10-kilometre walk raises funds for Start Me Up Niagara, a local outreach centre that serves people who are experiencing life challenges such as homelessness, mental illness, addiction and unemployment.
Megan Brown, Brock’s Community Engagement Co-ordinator, hopes students will take part in the rewarding experiences available during their time away from class.
“We want students to see the wide range of opportunities to give back while living in Niagara,” she said. “Working alongside community partners helps to create a well-rounded student experience and enhances the region as a whole.”
To learn more about the three ARW — Local opportunities, visit the ExperienceBU web pages for Winterfest, Days for Girls and the Coldest Night of the Year.
