Canadore students share the joy of the season

Over 40 Canadore students from a cross-section of programs, who live in residence, dropped by Casselholme Saturday to spread holiday joy and share in a cup of cheer with the seniors.

From putting up Christmas trees and decking the halls throughout the building, caroling and holiday card crafting the students had a number of activities lined up to enjoy.

“During the month of December, when students often get stressed with exams and the upcoming holiday season, we wanted to take a day to remind the students what the holiday season is about,” said Jessica Charbonneau, Canadore Residence Life Coordinator.

“It is about giving back to the community, spending time with others and spreading some joy to those around us.”

Environmental Technician student Courtney Griffis says with a grandparent in a long-term care facility back home she knows the value of a visit with a senior.

“I wanted to help the elders get into the holiday spirit in case their lonely,” she says.

“My grandpa is in a nursing home and I’m far away so I haven’t seen him in a while … so yeah I’m giving back.”

The visit to Casselholme is one part of Canadore Residence’s Service Learning program.

The program is designed to build skills, personal character and hope for a better future.

Students are chosen for the trips after a stringent selection process which includes application requests, screening and interviewing.

A committee chooses students showing a passion for volunteering, serving, and who have a strong sense of community and the desire to learn and grow.

They also have to complete seminars to learn about their mission, including cultural sensitivity training, native language, fundraising techniques and understanding expectations.

Canadore was one of the first colleges in Ontario to develop a service learning program for its students. Missions to Moose Factory, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica will take place in February, March and May, 2014 respectively.

Valerie Wiser will be part of the Dominican Republic trip and says visiting the seniors is a great way of giving back at home before heading out internationally.

Clearly the students presence at the facility had an uplifting effect on the residence as one lady on a scooter passing down the hall said to another resident “what a lovely bunch of young people.”

“Two of the girls even stopped to talk with me.”