M.M Robinson High School woodworking students turned their class project into a colourful dollhouse that was donated to Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK).

The class had been working away on a month-long framing project. They were to frame the dollhouse like an actual house. When the project was completed, what was to become of the miniature house?

Carlo Crechiola, construction technology teacher at MMR, says through a convsersation with staff, he was made aware of ROCK and the work they do.

“It’s a shame to build a structure and then throw it away so I went step further and said we can finish it.”

That meant the students turned the framed structure into a colourful dollhouse, complete with windows, a roof and stuffed with donated toys and play things.

“They had fun building it. They got marked on it. I think they did a good job,” Crechiola says. “Maybe we’ll build an elevator for it.”

The wooden dollhouse has been placed at ROCK’s Early Years Centre located at 710 Cumberland Ave.

Debbie Todt, parent educator with ROCK, says the project is great way for young people to learn about giving back.

“I think it’s a great project for the kids to be involved in, to know it’s going to be used a lot,” she says, noting ROCK serves more than 3,500 families a year. “This will be well used by the kids. Something like this is going to last a long time”

ROCK helps infants, children, teens and adults live healthier lives through: early assessment and diagnosis; effective and innovative treatment and therapy; and prevention and early intervention for those having, or at risk of developing, mental health problems or mental illness. It promotes positive child development through programs and services that strengthen the ability of families and the community to raise and nurture children.