Many Brock University students have the urge to give back to the community, but not all know exactly where to start.

To help students connect with local organizations, Brock University will host a virtual volunteer fair on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Organized by Student Life and Success, and Co-op, Career and Experiential Education, the online event will welcome 25 community organizations that will share with students ways to get involved.

With external representation from groups such as Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region and Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, and internal opportunities with Supporting Neurodiversity through Adaptive Programming (SNAP) and Brock University Aboriginal Student Services, there will be no shortage of volunteer opportunities for participants to learn more about.

Kristen Smith, Brock’s Manager of Community Experience and Leadership, said students can make a significant impact when they volunteer.

“Brock students have a lot of wonderful skills to contribute, and they can often provide a perspective or experience an organization may not have had access to in the past,” she said.

“Regardless of what they are studying, students who are looking to give back to their community and want to be part of building initiatives on campus and in the Niagara region as a whole, will find amazing opportunities at the volunteer fair.”

For students who wish to learn even more about ways to give back, there is also the option of joining the Brock University Volunteer Association (BUVA). Through BUVA, students receive ongoing training, connect with other community-minded students and gain access to unique volunteer opportunities throughout Niagara, including with the 2022 Canada Games that will be held in the region.

“When students take part in BUVA, they gain new skills and perspectives on how to best serve their community,” Smith said. “Through diverse opportunities and feedback from speakers, BUVA members set themselves up for success both at Brock and as they begin their careers.”

To learn more about the volunteer fair, visit the Student Life and Success website.