Brock faculty and staff are invited to take a morning or afternoon off of work to lend a helping hand in the local community.

For the fourth consecutive year, Brock University is participating in National Volunteer Week by encouraging employees to use work time to volunteer with one of several community partners — no vacation time required.

“It’s such a great initiative that benefits both the community and our employees,” said Holly Bolvari, Training and Organizational Development Specialist with Human Resources. “Working in a different environment with new people is an opportunity for faculty and staff to expand their knowledge.”

Volunteer placements are available April 18 and 19, from either 9 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 4 p.m., with a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities for people of all abilities.

Employees are asked to register on Focus on Learning by Tuesday, April 10 to indicate their preferred time slot. Supervisor approval is required.

• Wednesday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, April 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to noon
• Thursday, April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Participants will be contacted Friday, April 13 to select their preference for placement with one of several community partners in need of volunteers.

Last year more than 50 employees volunteered at the YMCA and Bethlehem Housing and Support Services. In previous years, participants spent time assisting at food banks, painting, doing community cleanup and providing general maintenance through various organizations, such as Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold, Habitat for Humanity and Heartland Forest.

With community engagement as one of its strategic priorities, Brock has recently increased its support and presence at local events such as the Rankin Cancer Run and Habitat for Humanity builds.

“We are grateful to our community partners for hosting our Brock staff volunteers in the community,” said Kristen Smith, Manager, Community Outreach Programs for Brock Student Life and Community Experience. “Volunteering gives Brock employees an opportunity to learn first-hand about the important work our local partners are doing in Niagara.”