For Erica Chelini, the society’s community project chairperson and a long-time active member in Montreal’s volunteer scene, the idea of monthly initiatives was one she wholeheartedly embraced.
“We have so many ideas and projects we want to see come to life during our mandate, but the common thread throughout them is our desire to work with different groups across the island in order reach as many people as we can,” Chelini says.
To date, the Garnet Keys have shuffled to raise funds for education, scheduled a leadership workshop for students at the Sacred Heart School of Montreal, hosted a fall fair at the Montreal Children’s Hospital Just For Kids Foundation's Sibling Park, held two fundraisers for the Native Women’s Shelter, volunteered in Concordia’s Mental Health Fair and organized an upcoming fundraiser for the Montreal Special Needs Family Organization.
And they’ve got more plans on the way for March — animal welfare month — and April — environmental awareness month.
‘A lasting impact’
“We’ve had an overwhelming amount of support from those in the community, which has been so lovely and heartwarming. It reinforces the notion that when we come together, we can make a lasting impact,” Chelini adds.
For her, one of the most rewarding moments came at the end of the coffee house event, when a representative from the Native Women’s Shelter brought everyone into a group hug.
“She said such kind and genuine words to us, expressing how actions such as our community projects were essential to creating positive change in today’s society.”
On March 14, the Garnet Keys, in collaboration with the Concordia University Building Engineering Society and the Concordia Society for Civil Engineering, invite members of the Concordia community to a wine and cheese event in the John Molson (MB) Building (1450 Guy St.). A speaker series on innovation in construction will take place at 5 p.m. in room MB-14.250 and a networking cocktail will follow in room MB-6.01. Find out how to register and buy tickets.