Posted on Friday, May 26th, 2023
In recognition of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, Algonquin College has partnered with Citron Hygiene and Aunt Flow to provide free menstrual products in 43 Ottawa campus washrooms.
Aunt Flow dispensers are stocked with organic cotton tampons and pads to mitigate instances in which menstruators may have to miss out on activities or classes due to their period or need to sacrifice something else within their budget to afford menstrual products.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is a time to break taboos and end the stigma surrounding menstruation, raise awareness about the challenges regarding access to menstrual products, educate about menstruation and period-friendly sanitation facilities, and mobilize funding for global action.
According to statistics referenced by both the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario, 63 per cent of menstruaters surveyed in 2021 had concerns about not being able to access either menstrual products or proper sanitation facilities, and 34 per cent had faced budget/affordability issues.
“AC believes in creating an accessible and equitable environment; if toilet paper and soap are freely accessible, period products should be too. By providing Aunt Flow period products we are doing our part to ensure the needs of our College community are met,” said Ryan Southwood, Executive Director, Facilities Management.
True to the College’s values of Caring, Learning, Integrity and Respect, AC as committed to ensuring that everyone has the best learning experience possible, offering free menstrual products is just one more way that the College can do that.
Looking for products? Find the machine nearest to you here. Remember there is limited supply of products, and while best efforts will be made to ensure dispensers are fully stocked, the College asks you to please only take what you need, when you need it.
Posted on Friday, May 26th, 2023
Two graduates from Algonquin College’s Paramedic program have received the inaugural Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery, which recognizes and honours exceptional courage in the line of duty.
Kimberley Fitzsimmons, a primary care paramedic with the Frontenac Paramedic Services, received the award in honour of her actions on Aug. 2, 2022. The off-duty Fitzsimmons had just finished a swim in Lake Ontario when she noticed another swimmer struggling to stay afloat. When the man sank beneath the water, Fitzsimmons dove 15 feet to rescue him from the bottom of the lake. She brought him back to shore and gave the man life-saving CPR, continuing to do so until help arrived.
Ottawa paramedic Maciej Wisniewski was honoured for his efforts following a plane crash near Carp Airport on Sept. 4, 2021. He was called to the scene after a passenger plane carrying two people crashed in a field after hitting a hydro pole. Alongside his partner and with the help of bystanders, Wisniewski worked to overturn the downed plane and free the trapped occupants, who were fuel-soaked and suffering extensive injuries. The rescued passengers were then sent to hospital to be treated for their injuries.
In both scenarios, the pivotal and timely efforts of Algonquin College graduates prevented terrible tragedies. The actions of Fitzsimmons and Wisniewski serve as a testament to both the rigorous and high-calibre training found in the AC Paramedic program and to the overall quality of Algonquin College. We are incredibly proud of these brave graduates and the courageous work being done by all AC alumni who work to preserve and strengthen public safety.
Posted on Thursday, May 18th, 2023
Algonquin College is pleased to recognize five of its alumni who were recently
named to the Ottawa Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under 40 List.
“Each of our recipients has shown tremendous professional and personal leadership abilities and strong commitment to our local community. Our objective is to support the growth of these local leaders who are helping to build a greener, healthier, happier, wealthier and more prosperous Canada from here in our nation’s capital,” wrote the publication.
Alumni included this year were:
Derick Cotnam
Culinary Management 2007
Owner, My Catering Group
Dave Hale
Business – Marketing 2010
CEO, Craft&Crew Corp.
Nitin K. Mehra
Culinary Management 2005
Executive Chef & COO, East India Company Restaurants
Kelly A. Rusk
Public Relations 2006
General Arts and Science – One Year 2004
President, Kelly Rusk Consulting Inc.
Adam D. Van Cleeff
Business Administration – Marketing 2008
VP Customer Success, Fullscript
Congratulations to this year’s recipients.