A group of students new to Canadian winter weather received a timely gift Thursday — warm hats and mittens hand-knitted by a UWindsor staffer.

Nursing students Shae Driedger and Mohamad Bassam conducted a workshop on “How to prepare for a Canadian winter” at the International Student Centre on Jan. 17 — just before a cold snap this weekend brought the first sizable snowfall of the season to Windsor.

It was also the first snow ever for the 10 international who attended the presentation, gleaning tips on winter apparel and ways to prevent frostbite.

“The session allowed us to interact with the students and provide valuable information on winters here in Windsor,” said Shae Driedger, who is interning at the centre for course credit. “Many of the students had never experienced snow, so it was important to provide education on dressing warmly and staying healthy throughout the season.”

The students also benefited from a donation by Lynda Sollazzo, administrative co-ordinator in the Entrepreneurship, Practice and Innovation Centre. She gave them 10 pairs of mittens and knit caps she made herself.

Driedger said the handmade apparel was gratefully received.

“Overall, it was an engaging experience for both myself and the students,” she said.

The nursing interns plan to offer the presentation again in the coming weeks.