A stunning sunlit view stretched out in front of our #ACGlobalProjects team as they ascended 3,600 metres above sea level into the highlands of Todos Santos. Over the course of the week, our team would help transform that sunlight into solar power, bringing electricity to the local elementary school, community kitchen, and community centre.
Volunteer Blog
Jump right in.
Communicate love.
Be flexible and creative.
These were a few of the values that our #ACGlobalProjects team embodied as they set off for the volunteer experience of a lifetime in the Dominican Republic this Reading Week. Our volunteers joined the Algonquin Students’ Association and Outreach360 in Monte Cristi, a scenic fishing town home to a vibrant community. Continue reading
A student who creates change.
A volunteer who always goes above and beyond.
A leader who inspires those around them.
Does this sound like you or someone you know? If so, nominate yourself or a fellow student for one of our Student Volunteer Awards! These annual awards celebrate students in the AC Hub volunteer network who create change on campus or in their community.
Our #ACvolunteers started the year strong by welcoming students to Algonquin at Winter Orientation, making delicious meals for the community, and much more! Here’s a look back at a few of the ways our volunteers made a difference this January… Continue reading
This Reading Week, Algonquin students and employees will be participating in service-learning trips abroad as part of Global Projects. Check out the priority items that are needed by our partner volunteer organizations and see if you have items to donate. Continue reading
Some of the best memories are made while making a difference – just ask Prerana Malik, one of our Community Project volunteers. For Prerana, volunteering at Ronald McDonald House was an opportunity to experience a new tradition while giving back to our community.
Having seen many movies where people decorate trees for the holidays, Prerana always wanted to decorate one herself. She got the chance to do that for the first time at the Ronald McDonald House Community Project, where volunteers came together to help make the house festive in time for the holiday season. “It was an amazing experience,” she says. “I had a lot of fun while setting up the tree, putting up the lights, ornaments, and finally the angel.” Continue reading
In November, our #ACVolunteers worked on many exciting projects such as Rogers Hometown Hockey which took place at Algonquin College, and helped the community get into the holiday spirit. Check out highlights below!
The Snowsuit Fund
At this annual Community Project, volunteers served clients and stocked snowsuits in the warehouse for The Snowsuit Fund. This Ottawa-based charity raises funds for the purchase and distribution of snowsuits to children in need, 15 years and under, in our community. More Snowsuit Fund photos →
Kimberly Kennedy is a student in the Police Foundations program at the Pembroke Campus. Her goal is to become a military police officer. She participates in a variety of on- and off-campus volunteer opportunities, including her involvement with the Canadian Cancer Society, the Royal Canadian Legion, the local Fun Run, and cancer runs in her community.
In 2019, Kimberly will expand her impact overseas by travelling to Kenya as part of AC Global Projects. She is looking forward to helping the ME to WE community build while learning about Kenya’s culture.
Kimberly finds inspiration in the words of Helen Keller: “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.”
Kimberly on what motivates her to volunteer:
“When I was a kid, I was always interested in a career that involves helping people. … Now I am a mother and want a career that helps people, gives me the chance to travel and help people around the world, but also be at home and be present in my daughter’s life. I volunteer to help others, but I also want to teach my daughter to be kind and compassionate toward everyone.”
In October, we launched an exciting new Community Project partnership with Just Food Farm, treated the animals at Big Sky Ranch to some TLC, and said “thank you” to the disaster relief volunteers in Dunrobin. Check out the highlights below!
Just Food Farm
Local food was at the heart of this exciting new Community Projects partnership. Our volunteers lent a hand by harvesting, cleaning, and organizing freshly picked crops at Just Food Farm – where people and projects come together to model and inspire small-scale, viable agriculture initiatives in the Ottawa region. More Just Food Farm photos →
Meghan White is a student in the Business Administration (Core) program. Megan gets involved in as many projects as her schedule allows for. She has specific interests in politics, mental health, and sustainability, but she is always excited to try new things and grow through diverse experiences.
“I try to bring elements of all of my experiences to my everyday interactions,” she says, “from traveling across Canada volunteering for 9 months with Katimavik, to representing my peers as Business Admin Class Rep here at the College.”
She is currently actively working with The Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa and the New Democrat Party of Canada, and she serves as Vice President of the campus Sustainability club.
Q: What inspires you to get involved?
A: “Community work uniquely provides people the space to explore who they are, who they want to be, and what kind of world they want to live in. Knowing what I stand to gain and to contribute, I find it hard not to volunteer.”