News release: (NORTH BAY, ONT.) – After announcing its college-wide volunteer program in April, Canadore College is officially kicking off the initiative this Wednesday.
“We’re so excited to be creating this new tradition at Canadore,” said Shawn Chorney, Vice-President of Enrolment Management and Student Services. “Many college employees and students have been volunteering for years, and this program is a way for us to recognize the value that charitable acts play in the well-being of our community.”
Canadore Volunteers is a non-academic based initiative that encourages the entire Canadore College community, from students to employees and partnering institutions, to engage in meaningful community service. It is intended to foster collaborative relationships between the College and not-for-profit agencies by facilitating volunteer opportunities.
Students participating in the program will receive a co-curricular record to document their activities, which are validated through the College’s Student Success Services Office in cooperation with community service agencies being served.
Canadore Student Council (CSC) President, Dan Trudel, says that the co-curricular record is a real bonus to students seeking work.
“Our student body is really interested in creating and maintaining community bonds,” said Trudel. “North Bay is really good to us, and many of us want to give back. The fact that we graduate with a record showing our experience outside of class shows employers that we would make a quality employee. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Since the beginning of September, Trudel cites that students have been active in volunteering with the Cystic Fibrosis Canada, the North Bay Figure Skating Club, the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Movember Foundation as well as planning for service learning trips and the North Bay Santa Claus parade.
Upon graduation, students who participate in civic life activities will receive a pin in recognition of their service. Similarly, employees will receive the same at their annual employee awards ceremony.
“It’s about making new friends and forging lasting connections,” said Chorney. “Students are much more likely to succeed in their studies and personal life if they feel they are making a meaningful contribution. I firmly believe that we are only as strong as the community we serve.”
Chorney and other Canadore employees will be helping the Heritage Gardeners clean up various garden beds at the North Bay Waterfront on Wednesday, October 21 starting at 10:15 a.m.
Charitable organizations wishing to register with Canadore College to promote volunteer opportunities can register with Trina St. Jacques at705.474.7600, ext. 5130 or Trina St. Jacques and/or Carol Larouche at 705.474.7600, ext. 5185 or [email protected].
