Note: The Brock Employee Feature is a Q&A-style series that aims to highlight those who contribute to the University’s positive working environment and make a difference in the campus community. The full series is available on The Brock News. Employees interested in being featured are asked to fill out an online form.

By day, Emily Hammond is part of a three-person team that is instrumental in keeping things running smoothly on Brock’s campus.

By night, the Facilities Management Administrative Assistant creates capes for the community’s tiniest superheroes and their siblings staying at Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton.

Hammond’s passion for helping others has driven her to make a difference both at the University and beyond.

Share your Brock career story.

I started at Brock in my Facilities Management (FM) role temporarily but was soon hired full time. FM is responsible for all activities related to the maintenance, operations and development of campus facilities and grounds.

As an Admin Assistant, I’m responsible for office needs as well as payroll and time management. I also facilitate work order requests that come into the department.

What do you like about your role?

I enjoy helping people, so I love when a complex issue comes in and we must dig deep to figure out how to help. I enjoy looking at all aspects of what the issue involves and the best way to fix it in a timely fashion.

Are you or your family members involved in any initiatives at Brock outside of your role?

I was recently appointed to the role of Co-Communications and Political Action Officer on the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation union executive and I’m looking forward to helping.

My 13-year-old son Griffin also enjoys Brock’s March break and summer camps.

What do you do to maintain positive mental health?

Emily Hammond crocheted a Brock Badger art piece shortly after being hired in Facilities Management.

I find fibre arts an amazing way to destress. I’m obsessed with crochet.

I started crocheting in 2011 when my son was diagnosed with childhood Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer at 22 months of age.

I figured, since the stress is keeping me up at night, I might as well do something useful. I started making crochet chemo caps to donate to McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation.

There is something so relaxing about crocheting. It’s a great way to decompress after a long workday or to bring your anxiety level down. Plus, it’s rewarding because in the end, you have a beautiful piece of art you can give to someone.

Do you volunteer with any community organizations?

Yes, I have a charitable heart. So many people helped us when my son was sick, we have made it our mission as a family to give back any way we can.  

I’m Chair of the Board for Ontario Parents Advocating for Childhood Cancer and run a support group for cancer parents in Niagara and Hamilton.

I also founded and run a Courage Capes project, where we make and donate superhero capes and teddy bears to sick kids and their siblings staying at Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton.

When my son was done his chemo, he was so weak, he could barely walk. A friend of the family made him a superhero cape. He put it on and proudly walked out of that chemo ward, waving bye to all the nurses.

It was a very special moment for my family, and I wanted to share it with others too.

I feel like every kid that stays at Ronald McDonald House is so brave, they deserve a special superhero cape to showcase on the outside, the bravery and strength they have on the inside.

Where is your favourite place to spend time in Niagara?

Yarn stores and my mum’s fabulous backyard in Niagara Falls. She’s created a wild English garden, filled with flowers, tea pots and family.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I’m a tea drinker, no matter the time of day or how hot the weather, you will find a steaming cup of tea in my hand.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Every problem can be solved with a cuppa tea.”

My Nanny Mills would say this to me when I was young. I didn’t get it at the time, but as I matured, I realized making tea takes time. It forces you step back, breathe, sit down, drink your tea.

It’s a chance to look at the problem from a different angle.

It’s not the tea that solves the issue, it’s the calming down, taking a break and enjoying something you love, that’s what solves the problem.