Celebrating our commitment to community

As faculty, staff and students of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, we value social responsibility and the importance of giving back to our local and global communities. During the next year, we will be celebrating those who do so much for the communities in which we work and play through volunteer work and through their artistic talents.

This month we are featuring two people who have turned their interests into ways of helping others: Sharon Rasul and Dr. Robert Hammond.

A favorite pastime brings comfort and warmth brought for those in need

Sharon Rasul, administration officer, Dentistry Finance, learned how to knit from her mother when she was five years old and then taught herself to crochet at the age of ten. Hooked from that moment on, she had no idea that this new hobby would later provide her with the perfect opportunity to help others in need.

A member of The Crochet Club of London, Sharon and her fellow crocheters create beautiful blankets for people in need, or in support of charities that auction off works of art. Since the clubs inception, they have created and donated almost 7,000 afghans to more than 100 different charitable organizations.

"It is so satisfying to know where the completed projects end up," said Rasul. "I was pleased to learn that the purple blanket I made was given to a girl as a Christmas gift. It's all very touching."

Although the club only gives away blankets, they create mittens, hats, scarves, and Rasul's favorite, tooth fairy pillows, which they sell at bazaars to raise money to purchase yarn needed to make blankets.

"Being able to volunteer allows me to create things on my own time and in my own way," said Rasul. "I can create different things every time, which keeps things interesting. I enjoy knowing that my efforts are helping other in the community as well."

Meeting once a month, the group gathers supplies, turns in completed projects, share ideas and does a little bit of socializing. Although most members of the club already know how to crochet, Rasul is looking forward to teaching potential members.

Paying it forward with coaching

Growing up, Dr. Robert Hammond, associate dean, Admissions, was encouraged by his parents, to try just about anything - within reason of course. Sports seemed to be a perfect fit. Fortunate to be able to play sports, Dr. Hammond developed a great appreciation for the coaches and the other volunteers who made it all possible.

As a form of gratitude and paying it forward, Dr. Hammond has been coaching both of his children in hockey (North London Nationals Hockey) and baseball (North London Girls Baseball) for the past 12 years.

"Coaching has allowed me to spend more time with my own children and to build memories with them in another setting," said Dr. Hammond. "I enjoy teaching and never tire of seeing a child's confidence grow. Getting to know other children, their families and my fellow coaches continues to be an absolute pleasure."

In the Hammond household, sports are encouraged for their many obvious social, mental and physical benefits. Through his coaching Dr. Hammond also hopes to engage other children in the benefits of physical activity, and reinforce the importance of effort, communication, collaboration and respect for others and themselves.

"The setting and title are different enough that it may not be obvious to some how similar coaching is to parenthood or to the mentorship that I think is the soul of medical pedagogy, apprenticeship and the camaraderie we enjoy," said Dr. Hammond. "If you enjoy being a parent, a teacher, a doctor - you are already prime coaching material."

Each month we will be sharing stories of the faculty, staff and students' commitment to the community. If you would like to share your story, let us know by email at comms@schulich.uwo.ca