Collège Boréal is joining forces with the Sudbury Wolves and the Sudbury Five to provide a more enjoyable experience for seniors or persons with disabilities attending their games.
Through the companion program, volunteer students from Boréal's School of Health Sciences programs will help seniors and persons with disabilities who might feel hesitant to go out and see a game by providing them with personal support so they can better enjoy their outing.
Each game, there will be a number of students on hand who will spend the game with people taking advantage of the Companion program. The Sudbury Arena has allocated 200 adapted seats to the program and a separate entrance off Minto Street provides safe access to the venue.
Melodie Dubuc, a student in the Veterinary Technician program, has been a companion at three games already. She said volunteers greet people at the game, help them find their seats, then help them get drinks or get to the bathroom.
“It's about making them more comfortable and helping them have a better time,” Dubuc said. “It's been an incredible experience. I had one gentleman, in a wheelchair, who told me he's been to many Wolves games, but since we started helping, he's having more fun because it takes a lot of stress off.”
For their part, student companions get out put their learning to the test and add volunteer experience to their resume.
Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment owner Dario Zulich said the partnership is a win-win-win for everyone involved.
“We've been a partner with Collège Boréal for some time, and this is just the latest manifestation of that partnership,” Zulich said. “I'm looking forward to developing this partnership even further.”
Furthermore, when purchasing tickets, use the promo code viperes2019 to receive a special price. A portion of ticket sales will go to the Boréal Foundation.
Daniel Giroux, president of Collège Boréal, said he's always been a huge sports fan and loves to support Sudbury's teams.
“So, our partnership with the Wolves and the Five is a point of pride for me both personally, and as president of Collège Boréal. It's a great show of community spirit, as well.”
