Making a difference during reading week
Some Concordia students may choose to spend their reading week on a beach, but those staying in Montreal can also find a way to enjoy spring break - by giving their time to help those in need.
Concordia’s Alternative Spring Break program registration is closed, but the LIVE Volunteer Centre is planning group volunteering events that will take place around Montreal during the week of February 18 to 24.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 19, a group of volunteers will help sort donations of school supplies at Share the Warmth in Pointe-Saint-Charles. The school supplies will then be distributed to children in the southwest borough.
Another event taking place on the morning of Saturday, March 2, will give students the opportunity to volunteer with the Special Olympics, acting as scorekeepers during a bowling tournament.
“It’s great if you’re in Montreal and you’re looking to take a break from your studies, to meet other Concordia students that you probably wouldn’t meet otherwise, to do something definitely different and at the same time give a few hours to help the community,” says LIVE Centre Coordinator Valerie Millette. “Students love it. For a few hours, they’re able to get involved and give back.”
Both group-volunteering opportunities are part of an Initiation to Volunteering series, organized by Concordia University’s LIVE Centre. The series aims to provide students with an introduction to volunteering, and to raise awareness about the centre and its various services, which include Strategic Volunteering workshops, individual coaching and finding the best volunteering opportunities.
“Reading Week is a great time to come and meet with one of our Volunteer Ambassadors in the Volunteer Resource Centre and find out about opportunities,” says Millette. “We have hundreds of opportunities listed in specific ways that are very useful to students, such as by major or by career goals. We’ll talk with students, see what their interests are, and then we’ll give them a personalized list of opportunities that match what they’re looking for.”
The LIVE Centre organizes group volunteering events at least once a month, so students who are unable to participate during reading week still have the opportunity to give back during the term.
Students interested in next year’s Alternative Spring Break can learn more about the program at the Alternative Spring Break Showcase on Friday, March 22, when participants from this year’s ASB program will recount stories of their experiences of volunteering during reading week, both abroad and in Montreal.
There is still time to nominate a student, staff or faculty member for the 2013 edition of the Concordia Volunteer Recognition Award. The deadline is February 15, 2013. Read more.
Related links:
• Information for group volunteering events and registration
• Strategic Volunteering workshop
• LIVE Centre hours (regular and Reading Week hours)
• LIVE Centre Facebook page
• ASB homepage
• ASB Showcase information