Support for Women’s Place South Niagara was on the menu on January 19 at two culinary pop-up events.
The pop ups, which were held in the Benchmark Dining Room (Daniel J. Patterson Campus, Niagara-on-the-Lake), raised $2,000 for Women’s Place of South Niagara, which offers support services to those affected by domestic violence. Every year, hundreds of community residents turn to Women’s Place for safe shelter, counselling, 24-hour support lines, legal and housing support, and other compassionate services to help end the cycle of family violence.
Associate Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities Hafsah Shaikh, who also serves as a Board Director for Women’s Place of South Niagara, said that funds raised will help ensure that those who turn to Women’s Place will have safe shelter, counselling, legal and transitional support, all basic needs met, and an ally to work with as they rebuild their lives free from abuse.
“We raised more than double of what we anticipated! To me, the success of this event speaks to the passion our college community has about supporting individuals impacted by gender-based violence and is also a testament to the great work and reputation of Women’s Place,” said Shaikh. “The success of this event is hugely attributed to the culinary department who worked so hard to put this event together. To top it off, the food was delicious!”
Hosted by NC Culinary Services / School of Culinary Arts, ‘food truck style’ fare was prepared by second-year Culinary Management students as part of their CULN1340 class, taught by Chef Professors Olaf Mertens and Scott Baechler.
“When we restructured our foodservice program we wanted to add an important element of social justice, diversity, inclusion and support for food insecurity,” said Dean of the Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division Craig Youdale. “Working with Women’s Place was not only a great cause but allowed our students a window into how they can use their skills to support those in need, and create an understanding of the supports that the organization provides for our community.”
The next culinary pop-ups, on February 2, will be held in support of Erica’s Embrace, founded by NC Social Service Worker alumni, Erica Williams. View calendar for details:
11:30 pop-up: Culinary Pop-up in support of Erica’s Embrace
4:30 pop-up: Culinary Pop-up in support of Erica’s Embrace
