Spring Volunteer Fair Draws a Crowd
Students learn more about how they can make a difference at the Volunteer Fair. Photo by. Finlee Matejcek
On Tuesday, Jan 27, students had the opportunity to connect with local organizations to learn about their volunteer opportunities. The event was held in Kirby Ballroom from 11-2, allowing for maximum mingling time.
The annual event was organized by the University Honors Student Association and UMD Engage. With over 40 tables present to showcase their opportunities, UMD students had their pick of people to work with. Organizations included Chum, Northland Adaptive Recreation, Great Lakes Aquarium, the Duluth Center for Women and Children and many more.
One present organization, ConnectAbility of MN, is looking for volunteers to aid in their donated equipment program, where they receive walkers, bed rails, wheelchairs and more. They could utilize help from students and community members in fixing them up and distributing them back into the community.
“It’s really rewarding to do something to help people that does not take too much out of the piggy bank,” said Liz McCabe, who was at the fair with ConnectAbility of MN.
CHUM, North Pointe, and many other places came to the Volunteer Fair. Photo by. Finlee Matejcek
Volunteering is a great way to get out into the community at almost no cost. McCabe also works with the Humane Society in Douglas County and feels that volunteering is a great way to spend time.
The tables at the fair were handing out everything from mugs to ice scrapers. The representatives from each organization were excited to speak with students about what they could offer.
Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center was a busy table that featured volunteer-made buttons and tokens with their crisis line on them. The center provides safety and support to survivors of domestic violence.
Brittany Lind, the Community Engagement Coordinator for Safe Haven, states, “All of the things that our volunteers do seem small, but end up being really big and impactful.”
By the end of the event, the signup sheets were full of student emails, ensuring a more interconnected and improved Duluth community.
Student Volunteer Fair gives out pins and other items to students at the tabeling. Photo by. Finlee Matejcek