To help fill a void at Windsor's Downtown Mission at a time of great need, Paramedic students from St. Clair College filled an ambulance with food and winter clothing and delivered it to the Mission.
Students collected donations of non-perishable food, clothing, feminine hygiene products and pet food at the LaSalle Zehrs and Windsor Sobeys from Nov. 15 to 17, 2024.
In total, more than 5,000 items were donated through the student-driven initiative.
To help fill a void at Windsor's Downtown Mission at a time of great need, Paramedic students from St. Clair College filled an ambulance with food and winter clothing and delivered it to the Mission.
Students collected donations of non-perishable food, clothing, feminine hygiene products and pet food at the LaSalle Zehrs and Windsor Sobeys from Nov. 15 to 17, 2024.
In total, more than 5,000 items were donated through the student-driven initiative.
Camryn Pestru, a student in the Paramedic program said it's a significant event within the program and a wonderful way to give back to the community.
"I felt it was a meaningful opportunity to support those who are struggling, especially during the holiday season," said Pestru. "Being able to say that I am part of this event is incredibly rewarding, and knowing the difference it will make is what motivated me to participate."
After collecting the donations, students drove eight cars and an ambulance to the Downtown Mission to drop off the supplies.
"The donation from St. Clair College's Students in the Paramedic program means the world to all of us at the Mission," said Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, the executive director of the Downtown Mission. "Comments were heard from many about the wonderful timing of this generous donation, that with Winter coming and the current mail strike, which affects much-needed donations being received by the Mission to continue operating, and to keep up with the needs of our community."
"The items these students collected and dropped off will go a long way in helping provide food and hope to many who come to the Mission and the Windsor Youth Centre for support each day," Ponniah-Goulin said.
According to John Lassaline, a professor and coordinator for the Paramedic program, one of the hallmarks that employers look for in prospective paramedics is their willingness to serve their community and give back.
"Our students have most certainly taken this to heart," said Lassaline. "They did this on their own time, over and above their own studies in the Paramedic program."
"Their dedication and commitment to their community is most certainly remarkable. I am extremely proud of them and look forward to watching them gain entry to practice as paramedics in Essex County and abroad," Lassaline said.
Ponniah-Goulin said it's inspiring to see students get involved in their community.
"It's so wonderful to see young people look outside of their immediate surroundings to see what's going on around them in their community and then do something like this to help with issues they are seeing and are passionate about helping with," she said. "Our students of today are our collective future in this community, so it's wonderful to see young people standing up and doing something they feel will help others. It's kind, generous, and gives us all hope for a better tomorrow for all."
During the colder months of November and December, 65 per cent of donations to the Mission occur, Ponniah-Goulin said.
Pestru said getting involved in volunteerism while in school is a terrific way to connect with future colleagues in the field.
"It also provides valuable experience by linking classroom scenarios with real-world situations," Pestru said. "Volunteering helps us better understand the often-overlooked needs of people within our community. Especially being in the Paramedic program, it allows us to gain practical experience beyond the classroom."
Paramedics are often the first to respond to individuals in crisis, some of whom are clients associated with the Downtown Mission, Pestru said.
"As I continue through this program, I've come to realize that patient care is not just about responding to emergencies, but also about recognizing and addressing the overall well-being of patients, including their mental and emotional health," she said. "With that in mind, we chose the Mission to ensure they have the resources needed to continue supporting those who rely on their services."
St. Clair College students in the Paramedic program deliver 5,000 goods to the Downtown Mission on Nov. 20, 2024, during its "Fill the Ambulance" drive. (Stephanie DeFranceschi/St. Clair College)
Camryn Pestru, a student in the Paramedic program said it's a significant event within the program and a wonderful way to give back to the community.
"I felt it was a meaningful opportunity to support those who are struggling, especially during the holiday season," said Pestru. "Being able to say that I am part of this event is incredibly rewarding, and knowing the difference it will make is what motivated me to participate."
After collecting the donations, students drove eight cars and an ambulance to the Downtown Mission to drop off the supplies.
"The donation from St. Clair College's Students in the Paramedic program means the world to all of us at the Mission," said Rukshini Ponniah-Goulin, the executive director of the Downtown Mission. "Comments were heard from many about the wonderful timing of this generous donation, that with Winter coming and the current mail strike, which affects much-needed donations being received by the Mission to continue operating, and to keep up with the needs of our community."
"The items these students collected and dropped off will go a long way in helping provide food and hope to many who come to the Mission and the Windsor Youth Centre for support each day," Ponniah-Goulin said.
According to John Lassaline, a professor and coordinator for the Paramedic program, one of the hallmarks that employers look for in prospective paramedics is their willingness to serve their community and give back.
"Our students have most certainly taken this to heart," said Lassaline. "They did this on their own time, over and above their own studies in the Paramedic program."
"Their dedication and commitment to their community is most certainly remarkable. I am extremely proud of them and look forward to watching them gain entry to practice as paramedics in Essex County and abroad," Lassaline said.
Ponniah-Goulin said it's inspiring to see students get involved in their community.
"It's so wonderful to see young people look outside of their immediate surroundings to see what's going on around them in their community and then do something like this to help with issues they are seeing and are passionate about helping with," she said. "Our students of today are our collective future in this community, so it's wonderful to see young people standing up and doing something they feel will help others. It's kind, generous, and gives us all hope for a better tomorrow for all."
During the colder months of November and December, 65 per cent of donations to the Mission occur, Ponniah-Goulin said.
Pestru said getting involved in volunteerism while in school is a terrific way to connect with future colleagues in the field.
"It also provides valuable experience by linking classroom scenarios with real-world situations," Pestru said. "Volunteering helps us better understand the often-overlooked needs of people within our community. Especially being in the Paramedic program, it allows us to gain practical experience beyond the classroom."
Paramedics are often the first to respond to individuals in crisis, some of whom are clients associated with the Downtown Mission, Pestru said.
"As I continue through this program, I've come to realize that patient care is not just about responding to emergencies, but also about recognizing and addressing the overall well-being of patients, including their mental and emotional health," she said. "With that in mind, we chose the Mission to ensure they have the resources needed to continue supporting those who rely on their services."
