UVic students get involved through volunteering

Over 300 University of Victoria students and alumni will fan out across the region on Saturday, Oct. 1 to volunteer in 26 local organizations as part of Project Serve Day.

Coordinated by UVic and Volunteer Victoria, Project Serve introduces students to some of the community development agencies working across the south island, and promotes broader student engagement within the community. Students participate in activities that connect their service experience to their role as learners at UVic.

In addition to a number of returning partner agencies, Project Serve 2016 is connecting with nine first-time community partners including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Community Living Victoria, Haliburton Community Organic Farm and Recreation Integration Victoria.

“Lots of our students are new to Victoria, and it can be hard to know where to start volunteering. As the program goes into its fourth year, we are hearing more and more stories about students who have found a meaningful long-term volunteer commitment after this day. We want the experience to be mutually beneficial for everyone,” said UVic residence education coordinator Angi Ross. “We’re committed to providing civic engagement opportunities for our students. Project Serve Day is a way for students to reflect on how serving the community is important to their role as students. Volunteering is becoming part of the UVic student identity.”

Project Serve Day is sponsored by Hot House Pizza, Gordon Food Services and Dairyland.

Note: On Oct. 1, Angi Ross can be contacted at 778-350-2757 for interviews. She can also connect media with students at volunteer sites willing to give interviews about their experience.

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