Sharree Eidt, of the Niagara Heritage Quilters Guild (second from right), dropped off handmade quilts to be given to Brock students in need this winter. She is pictured at Brock’s International Centre with Marla Terreberry-Portfilio, Associate Director, International Services; fourth-year Communications and Pop Culture student Ashfaq Fuad; and Carolyn Villella, International Student Life Specialist, Brock International.From donating warm clothing to opening homes for the holidays, the Brock University community has the chance to make a difference in the lives of international students this winter.
Two upcoming initiatives aim to ease the transition as fall turns to winter and the holiday season nears.
The returning Home for the Holidays program invites faculty and staff to host an international student for a favourite holiday or winter activity at any point between Tuesday, Dec. 19 and Monday, Jan. 5.
The goal of the popular program is to give international students who are separated from friends and family the chance to celebrate the holidays with others while experiencing local customs and making lasting memories. Whether it’s a special dinner, shared volunteer experience or winter pastime like ice skating, the program helps international students feel welcomed and supported while creating meaningful connections for students and host families alike.
An information session is being held Thursday, Nov. 6 for those interested in learning more about participating in the program as either an international student or prospective host. Applications close Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Brock International, OPIRG and the Student Faith and Life Centre have also launched a campaign to collect gently used winter clothing and small household items for all Brock students in need.
“Home for the Holidays and the free winter item and household pick up align with Brock’s strategic priorities of inclusivity, engagement and supporting student success beyond the classroom,” says Carolyn Villella, International Student Life Specialist, Brock International. “It’s a meaningful way we live out our values — ensuring that every student feels supported, connected and truly part of the Brock community.”
The following items are being accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, at the Faith and Life Centre in Alphie’s Trough and the International Centre room 219 until Monday, Nov. 10. Contact Hilda VanderKlippe at [email protected] to co-ordinate drop off at the Faith and Life Centre and Carolyn Villella [email protected] for the International Centre.
The Brock community is invited to donate the following gently used or new items:
- Winter jackets
- Winter boots
- Scarves
- Warm blankets
- Warm socks (unused)
- Gloves/mittens
- Winter hats
- Other household items
Students can browse and pick up items on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Donations from local faith communities, quilts from the Niagara Heritage Quilters Guild and coats donated by Moose Knuckles will also be available.
“It’s a really heartwarming story of the community coming together to support students,” says Villella.
Donations of shelf-stable items to be shared with students are also being accepted anytime at the International Centre.
Requested items for the pantry include:
- Instant noodles (ramen)
- Instant soups/soup mixes
- Pasta
- Pasta or alfredo sauce
- Minute rice
- Ready-made curry
- Dry snacks like nuts, cookies, crackers
- Instant oatmeal
- Canned meat or tuna
