CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Social work student organizes distribution of care packages to vulnerable residents

Conestoga Social Service Worker student Amanda Buddell wanted to put her learning into action by organizing an initiative to assemble and distribute care packages to vulnerable people across the communities served by the college.

Empower Through Unity gathered volunteers to assemble 115 packages filled with essential items including blankets, toiletries, non-perishable food, beverages and toothbrushes to distribute across Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and Brantford.

"I essentially created this social change and community initiative to address homelessness and poverty within the region. These challenges can happen to anyone in the blink of an eye. No one grows up wishing to face these socioeconomic tribulations, and no one knows if one day they will lose everything and end up facing these issues," Buddell said.  

Buddell and the volunteers wanted to provide people in need with basic necessities, and also let them know they're cared about in a society that has struggled to provide them with support and resources.

"Every individual has the right to feel safe, secure and equal in society without fearing blame and abandonment. The initiative was to create change in someone's day for a better tomorrow."

The volunteer team walked around for hours to hand out the packages, listening to people's stories along the way.

"It was truly an amazing experience that I hope to continue in the future. I am forever grateful to everyone who contributed to this initiative. It shows how much people care and wish to see a difference in society," Buddell said.

Conestoga's Social Service Worker program gives students the knowledge to enhance relationships and develop skills to work with all segments of the population, individuals, families and community. The program places emphasis on enhancing self-awareness, emotional maturity and pursuit of social justice.

Skills in supportive counselling, group work and community development are developed through role-playing, simulations and meaningful field experiences. Additional studies in interventions, complex systems and sustainability of services support graduates to develop a strong foundation for social service practice.