UPEI Experiential Education department seeking local organizations to host student volunteers
Each month, the UPEI Experiential Education department hosts an “Afternoon of Service” whereby a group of students spends an afternoon at a local organization, learning about it and participating in hands-on volunteer activities such as planting trees, harvesting crops, socializing with seniors, and assisting with events. The department is currently seeking organizations that would appreciate volunteer help and are willing to partner with UPEI for this initiative.
“There are many benefits to students participating in these events,” said UPEI Community and Industry Outreach Coordinator Susie Zavala. “Whether a student is a regular, or new to volunteering, these events are helpful because they have the opportunity to be with a group of peers and a guide from our department. Participants learn about their community, network with other students and organization representatives, and gain real-world experience and skills.”
Organizations also benefit from the help that the student volunteers provide and have found the Afternoon to be a positive experience. Those who have hosted students in the past include The Mount Continuing Care Community, PEI Farm Centre, Mi'kmaq Printing and Design, Pride PEI, and Wright's Creek Environmental Committee. Ideally, new partner organizations would be within walking distance to UPEI or a short bus ride away.
“We appreciate our partnership with UPEI’s Experiential Education department and UPEI student volunteers,” said Phil Ferraro, Manager, PEI Farm Centre. “Prior to the pandemic, the Farm Centre had upwards of 1,000 volunteers per year. With the pandemic, we are almost at zero volunteers, so the time given by UPEI students to volunteer is very valuable. Given that we are a social enterprise, everything we grow is given to charities around the Island, so the contributed time put in by UPEI student volunteers really benefits all Islanders.”
For more information or to get in touch about becoming a partner organization, call Susie Zavala at 902-894-2817 or email szavala@upei.ca.
