Grade 11 and 12 students from the Wellington Catholic District School Board are literally helping to build a better future for pregnant and parenting young women in Guelph and Wellington County.
The Amazing Home Makeover Student Edition is a board-wide initiative that has financed the purchase of a home in Guelph in desperate need of a facelift.
Over the next five months, 15 students from area Catholic high schools will be working alongside skilled trade professionals to gut and fully renovate the home using, primarily, tools and materials donated to the project.
When completed, the home will be sold and all proceeds will be donated to Michael House in support of their current capital campaign.
“This project exemplifies what the Wellington Catholic District School Board is all about,” said director of education Tamara Nugent.
“It is an opportunity for our students to learn and at the same time know they are serving on a project that is going to make a significant impact on youth that depend upon the services of Michael House. We firmly believe this mix of practical skill development and community involvement is what 21st century education looks like.”
Michael House executive director Rosemarie Coombs said, “We are grateful for the support that Wellington Catholic and their supporters are bringing to Michael House. Our Home for Generations capital campaign will allow us to give young mothers in our community a positive start on their parenting journey. The support from the Amazing Home Makeover will be a big part of our success.”
This is the second edition of the Amazing Home Makeover Student Edition.
The 2015 version, which was officially launched with a sign unveiling on the project site on Sept. 30, is a little different and bigger.
The 2015 edition is an innovative program that brings together students, the business community and the charitable sector in a unique educational experience. Together they will be completely re-designing a 1,500 square foot home.
Students will be actively involved on all parts of design, construction and finishing.
“This is a great learning experience for our students,” said Brain Andres, project lead and teacher at Bishop Macdonell Catholic High School. “This project builds both practical and leadership skills and allows our youth to see a complex construction project through from beginning to end. They are so excited to be a part of this.”
