St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School students are embarking on another semester-long project to give a group of deserving children a hand-up in life.

This semester, students in the Grade 12 technology and design course are constructing a 17-foot kayak for children at Variety Village, a fitness and life skills training facility for disabled children in Scarborough.

Operation KAYAKS (Kayaks for Aspiring Youth Assembled by Kind Students) is the second project of its kind for St. Dominic. Last year, students constructed a similar kayak for children at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

As with that project, this handmade kayak will be raffled off for the charitable facility.

St. Dominic teacher Marty Scarlett said the aim of Operation KAYAKS is to not only help children at Variety Village, but teach students about the importance of helping others.

“It’s hoped that students will become more appreciative of their God-given health, talents and personal abilities that can be used to make others feel special and loved,” Scarlett said.

Since February, students have been researching information on marine engineering and kayak design. They started constructing the boat last month.

In June, Scarlett’s class will join children from Variety Village in Bracebridge Bay where they will learn about kayaking techniques. Students will present them with the handmade kayak June 11 during a special presentation at the Scarborough facility.

Students are scheduled to appear on Citytv’s Breakfast Television the morning of the presentation to show off their handiwork.