Sault College Students Assist Seniors in Winter Preparations

Students from Sault College are making a significant impact in the community by assisting local seniors with winter preparations, ensuring they can remain in their homes as the colder months approach. The initiative, known as Trades Day of Caring, provides essential services such as storing hoses, turning off exterior faucets, and sealing windows to help seniors like John Walsh maintain their homes.

At 87 years old, Walsh has lived in his east-end bungalow since 1965. He expressed his determination to stay in his residence, stating, “I’m not leaving my house. They’ll bury me here. I’m not going into a home.” This sentiment reflects a common desire among many seniors to age in place, and Walsh is grateful for the support he receives through this program.

For over a decade, Sault College has coordinated this initiative, which has gained momentum and popularity within the community. This year marks the second time students have assisted Walsh by raking leaves and preparing his home for winter alongside his wife, Marilyn, with whom he shares over 60 years of marriage. “It’s a nice service,” Walsh noted, highlighting the positive impact of the students’ efforts.

One of the volunteer students, Jay Page, a second-year engineering technician student, shared her thoughts on the initiative. “It’s a benefit for seniors and it’s a benefit for us because we’re able to give back to our community and we get to connect with people,” Page said. She was motivated to participate by her employer, Sam Biasucci, president of SalDan Construction Group, where she has worked for the past four years.

Page was joined by fellow students Dawar Hamid, a first-year construction techniques student, and Pallvi Pallvi, a second-year civil engineering technician student. Together, they were part of a larger team of over 40 students who helped a total of 42 homeowners during this year’s event, assisting with tasks that primarily involved raking leaves, according to Marc Pilon, the professor and co-ordinator of civil engineering and construction programs at the college.

Pilon noted that this year’s participation was the highest he has seen since he began working at Sault College in 2019, with each team typically assisting at around three homes. The collaboration between Sault College and the United Way Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District has been crucial for the success of Trades Day of Caring, providing necessary resources and support to enable students to engage with the community meaningfully.

The initiative not only aids seniors like Walsh but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility among the students, allowing them to connect with the residents they serve. As the winter months approach, programs like this play an essential role in ensuring that seniors can remain in their homes comfortably and safely.