An engineering event continues to strengthen town relations.
Beginning as a group of ambitious Queen’s engineering students in the early 2000s, Fix N’ Clean has made a lasting impact in Kingston. Now, 20 years later, it remains an event organized by the Engineering Society (EngSoc) to benefit the local community.
Twice a year, students come together to give back to Kingston residents through manual labour, including tasks such as raking leaves, moving furniture, and assisting with various household chores—all free of charge.
“It’s one of the biggest student volunteer events at Queen’s, with an average turnout of over 200 students and 50 clients,” EngSoc said in a statement to The Journal. “The services provided by Fix N’ Clean groups vary based on the needs of our clients and can range from raking leaves to helping move furniture, along with any miscellaneous household tasks that clients may need assistance with.”
Although the event began on a small scale, word of mouth and advertising allowed the event to become what it is today. According to EngSoc, Fix N’ Clean is still working to expand its clientele and its positive impact on Kingston.
The event is managed by two co-coordinators under the EngSoc Director of External Relations Ethan Powell, Sci ’27, with one event organized in both the fall and winter semesters. Each participating home receives a group of three to six volunteers for a two to four-hour period.
“The goal of the event is to continue strengthening the relationship between Queen’s and the Kingston community by giving back to its residents,” EngSoc said. “It’s important for students to understand that, while there may be a bubble around our university, we are all still of the Kingston community, and it is our responsibility to actively improve it.”
Fix N’ Clean will hold events this year from Nov. 2 to 3 and next year from March 8 to 9.
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