The Willowbank School of Restoration Arts has received $50,000 from the Humeniuk Foundation to enhance the school’s curriculum.

The money from the private family foundation also will be used to help students attend European field schools in the summer of 2023.

“We believe in the excellent work Willowbank has been doing in the education of people interested in working in historic restoration,” said Andrew Humeniuk, executive director of the foundation.

“In fact, our very own Brown Homestead (in St. Catharines) has been part of the three-year learning experience and we are proud to employ graduates from this remarkable program.”

Caitlin Wooll, director of the school, noted in a statement announcing the donation, “We have forged an excellent relationship with Andrew, the Humeniuk Foundation and Brown Homestead over the past few years.”

“It’s amazing to have two kindred spirits dedicated to heritage restoration within close proximity.”

Willowbank, an internationally acclaimed, not-for-profit, private career college in Queenston, trains experts in a variety of fields related to heritage restoration, conservation and adaptive  reuse of existing older buildings.

Willowbank board vice chair John Scott said it can be difficult to secure significant donations to help with the operation of the school as donors often prefer to contribute money to the restoration of the Willowbank estate house.

“We need to balance both requirements and that philosophy is embraced by Andrew and his family. We are so appreciative of their support of our mission.”

The school has an employment rate of 95 per cent and its graduates work  in a range of fields, from design to skilled trades to community development.

Prince Charles is a royal patron of Willowbank.