Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
September 14, 2004
U of G members reach out to community through Project Serve
More than 400 University of Guelph students, faculty and staff will head into the community Sept. 25 to volunteer at more than 20 local agencies as part of the university’s seventh 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.
“The presence of Project Serve at the University of Guelph not only generates positive energy in the campus community, but also reminds us all that we are a part of something greater,” said international development student Georgia Simms. Added U of G graduate Dave Kranenburg: “The message that I took away from all of my Project Serve experiences was that regardless of where your interests may lie, a few hours of your time can make a huge difference.”
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, Roots and Shoots, and Women in Crisis.
After volunteering, the students will return to campus to have lunch and talk about the experience with their group. The goal of the reflection activities is to help students recognize they can make a difference in their community, said Emilie Hayes, experiential education specialist for Student Life. “Students also gain the tools to pursue a longer-term volunteer opportunity.”
The registration deadline is Sept. 17. 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, Ext. 56982.
