Brock students will cap-off their first week as Badgers by making a positive impact across the Niagara region during the University’s largest volunteering day.

Taking place Saturday, Sept. 7, Brock Cares Day of Service brings together volunteers from across the University to participate in projects that address community need.

This year’s activities include providing support for local seniors and individuals with intellectual disabilities, community beautification and clean-up initiatives, digitizing regional historical documents and more. As in past years, one of the volunteer projects is Brock’s Welcome Wagon program, which aims to greet new and returning Brock students and help them build positive relationships in their communities.

Jenna Moorhead, Community Experience Co-ordinator and lead of Brock Cares, said supporting organizations such as the Thorold Museum, Niagara Dog Rescue, Habitat for Humanity Niagara and Heartland Forest Nature Experience helps volunteers learn more about their community while also establishing a sense of belonging and connection within it.

“We know that Brock students are intelligent and thoughtful people who value giving back, so what better way to end a fun-filled week of learning about your University than by helping out in your community?” she said. “Brock Cares connects them to community partners and the services they provide, including how they can work with them to impact their community in a meaningful way.”

The day begins at 11 a.m. in Jubilee Court, where participants will enjoy a free lunch and be given their Brock Cares T-shirt. Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini and St. Catharines Deputy Mayor Bill Phillips will also provide remarks before volunteers are transported to their host site for an afternoon of giving back.

After an action-packed day, the volunteers are invited to take part in a barbecue at the Battle of Beaverdams Park in Thorold. The event is hosted by the Thorold Business Improvement Association and will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Volunteers can attend for free, but all members of the Brock and local communities are invited and can purchase a ticket for $5.

The Sept. 7 event also kicks off the University’s volunteer program for the year, with monthly Brock Cares Days of Service running from October to April and providing continued opportunities to give back to the community. That also includes the annual Brock Cares Volunteer Fair, held Thursday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Market Hall. The event welcomes local community partners to campus and allows students to network and learn more about volunteer opportunities.

“Intentionally placed within Welcome Week, Brock Cares orients our students to the broader Niagara community, connects them with other like-minded students and sets the tone that volunteering is part of the Brock student experience from the moment they arrive on campus,” said Kristen Smith, Manager, Off-Campus and Community Experience. “Students can select projects based on personal interest or area of study, while also meeting needs that have been identified by our community partners.”

Student Life and Success is also launching its 60 Community Stories for Brock’s 60th initiative during Brock Cares, in celebration of the University’s milestone anniversary. These stories, intended to highlight the long history of reciprocal community engagement between Brock and organizations in the Niagara region, will be featured on Instagram from September to June. More information about the project and details for submitting a community story can be found on the Student Life website.

For a full list of Brock Cares volunteer opportunities and registration details, visit the Brock Cares ExperienceBU. Community organizations interested in participating in the Volunteer Fair can find out more and register on Eventbrite.