Volunteer Mixer a hit

Students got the opportunity to network with representatives from local community organizations recently at the first annual Volunteer Mixer on Nipissing’s Muskoka campus. 
The Muskoka Campus Social Justice Club came up with the idea to host the event when looking for activities to further personal and professional goals.  Rather than focus solely on their own interests, the group decided to plan an event that would benefit the campus community as well as the broader community.  

Expecting only a handful or organizations to express interest, club members were astonished by the overwhelming response.  Over 30 organizations contacted them and wanted to participate in the inaugural volunteer fair.  Many organization representatives noted that the chance to come together in the same space allowed them to learn about each other’s work and explore possibilities for future partnerships.

Students had the opportunity to visit such organizations as Muskoka Pride, Top Hat House for Youth and Hospice Muskoka.  Larger agencies that participated included Muskoka Parry Sound Community Mental Health Services, Hands, and The Pines Long Term Care Home.  

Lively conversations ensued as students had the opportunity to find out about volunteer opportunities and many used the event as a chance to explore future career opportunities.  The response from all who participated was extremely positive.  The overall consensus was that creating such community/university links are invaluable and there was great excitement about exploring future possibilities.  

The Social Justice Club members noted that this event would not have been possible without the enthusiastic response from the community, administrative support from Nipissing University, the donation of space from Bug Eyed Betty’s Café and the financial support of the Nipissing University Alumni Association.?