Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
September 10, 2003
Students, faculty and staff to help community through Project Serve
More than 400 University of Guelph students, faculty and staff will head into the Guelph community Sept. 20 to volunteer at more than 20 local agencies as part of the University's sixth annual Project Serve day.
Project Serve was initiated in 1997 to introduce students to community involvement and volunteerism. The program received national recognition with the 2001 program of the year award from the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services.
"After students spend the morning volunteering with a local organization, we hope they'll be encouraged to continue making a difference in their community for years to come," said Emilie Hayes, co-ordinator of service and involvement programs for Student Life. "Local organizations not only receive genuine assistance, but they also have the chance to connect with the campus community and recruit new volunteers."
Working in teams of five to 15, Project Serve participants will spend several hours doing various jobs, from cleaning conservation areas to sorting food, at non-profit agencies that address social, environmental, health and animal welfare issues. Each group is headed by a team leader who is a senior student, faculty member or staff member.
Buses will depart for project sites at 9 a.m. from the University Centre. Participating agencies include the Guelph Food Bank, the Humane Society and the Guelph-Wellington Association for Community Living.
After volunteering, the students will return to campus to have lunch and talk about the experience with their group. "The reflection activities help students realize that they can make a difference in someone's life," said student Rory Barnes, a Project Serve planning team member. Students also gain the tools to pursue a longer-term volunteer opportunity.
For more information, contact Service & Involvement Programs, c/o Student Life, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 52214, or involve@uoguelph.ca.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982.
