February at Brock is shaping up to be more than just a countdown to reading week. This month, student groups and campus partners are putting on a mix of cultural celebrations, remembrance and education as well as low-pressure socials and practical supports, from free winter items and meals to volunteer opportunities across Niagara.
Early this month, the event line up leans into community care, including programming tied to REDress Day and stress reducing initiatives while helping students access food and winter essentials. A major cluster of events will arrive at the end of the month, when Black History Month and African Heritage Month programming culminates in a daytime teach-in and evening cultural showcase and vendor market.
REDress Day: remembrance, learning and community care
In the second week of February, Brock’s calendar includes programming connected to the REDress Project, an initiative started by Métis artist Jaime Black to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people.
On Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., students can volunteer to help set up the REDress Day Installation across campus, meeting in TH145. Lunch is included.
On Feb. 11 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. a will be held at CRN 207. The gathering is a space for remembrance and education, with speaker reflections and a creative activity where participants will create red paper dresses and messages honouring those lost. Lunch will be provided, though organizers ask that attendees RSVP so that they can plan food accordingly. will be held at CRN 207. The gathering is a space for remembrance and education, with speaker reflections and a creative activity where participants will create red paper dresses and messages honouring those lost. Lunch will be provided, though organizers ask that attendees RSVP so that they can plan food accordingly.
Brock’s event for Red Dress Day itself will be held on Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pond Inlet, with drumming and song, discussion spaces, lunch and workshops. The event description notes that some afternoon workshops will require separate registration.
Food, winter essentials and practical supports
Not everything on the February calendar is a “night out.” Several events are designed to help students through winter, especially on tight budgets.
On Feb. 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., students can pick up a at Alphie’s Trough in the Faith and Life Centre. Event organizers emphasize first-come, first-serve access while supplies last. at Alphie’s Trough in the Faith and Life Centre. Event organizers emphasize first-come, first-serve access while supplies last.
Food-focused supports are also on the list. A is scheduled for Feb. 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and Free Burgers for Feb. 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., both at Union Station. is scheduled for Feb. 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and free burgers for Feb. 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., both at Union Station.
Later in the month, a is set for Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rankin Family Pavilion, described as. The fruits and veggies are first come first served, with a suggested donation and the option to pay more or less. is set for Feb. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Rankin Family Pavilion. The fruits and veggies are first come first served, with a suggested donation and the option to pay more or less.
There’s also an International Student Ambassador Led Community Cook Along on Feb. 19 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the International Centre, where students can cook together, eat together and take extra portions home.
Volunteering and off-campus events in Niagara
Students looking to volunteer also have options. A community kitchen volunteer day is scheduled for Feb. 8 from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Silver Spire United Church. Reading Week weekend also includes volunteer shifts in Port Dalhousie on Feb. 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with transportation from campus included.
Additionally, on Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Brock is recruiting volunteers for Ability and Empowerment Day, an event designed for high school students who experience a disability or anticipate using accommodations after high school; the listing notes an information fair, campus exploration and volunteer training requirements.
Extras
The month also has numerous events for engaging in meaningful conversations or to kick back and relax.
On Feb. 10 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at GSB 306, Brock Brainy Bunch is throwing a Nintendo Game Night. On Feb. 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Queenston Mile Vineyard, the Brock Leaders Citizenship Society is hosting a night full of music, food, drink and a raffle table. The event titled Denim, Diamonds, and Diplomas is a non-profit fundraiser, with all proceeds going to first-generation students in our local community.
If you’re looking for more educational events, “CANADA TALKS: Unerasing Ourselves: St Catharines, Canadian Literature, and the Past” is being hosted at Central Library, Mills Room on Feb. 25 from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.
And on Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plant-Based at Brock is hosting a Beechwood Donut Plant-Based Booth at BUSU Club House. Later that night, Shireen Abu-Khader will be sharing “Songs and Stories: From Palestine, With Love” at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
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February doesn’t have to feel like a stretch of cold days you simply push through until reading week. There are chances to learn, celebrate, show up for one another and access concrete supports when winter gets heavy. If you’ve been meaning to get more involved, February is an easy place to start, with options to attend teach-in, stop in for a free meal, join a craft night or take part in REDress Day programming, on campus and beyond it.