Student volunteers touch hundreds of lives

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December 17, 2009

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/open-circles.jpg” caption=”Marissa Cunnington, right, with Nyashley at the Eva Rothwell Resource Centre. “]
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Children stricken by poverty. The homeless searching for shelter. Immigrants struggling in an unknown city. They are just some of the recipients who receive much-needed help from more than 300 McMaster students who donate their time throughout the year to Student Open Circles, a Hamilton-based charity.

Through the Community Volunteer Action program, these student volunteers give over 9,000 hours of personal time. And for Marissa Cunnington, a fourth-year sociology student, it is time well spent.

She began at an afterschool children's program at the Eva Rothwell Resource Centre in east Hamilton in 2008. Today, she heads up a team of volunteers and is struck by how the experience has enriched her life.

"We really make a difference in these kids eyes because they get to be a part of so many activities that their parents may not be able to afford," says Cunnington. "I have learned more about the community I live in, and understand how volunteering does make a difference. We also hope that as these children see the students volunteer, they will do the same when they get older."

Student Open Circles also trains and mentors 45 student leaders who facilitate volunteer teams and lead weekly discussions where students can talk about their experiences in the field.

"This service makes a significant difference to many within the Hamilton community," says Jeff Druery, a staff member at Student Open Circles. "But it is also a life-changing experience for the volunteers, raising questions about poverty and social issues. And in many students, it also inspires a lifelong commitment to volunteering."

In addition to the Community Volunteer Action program, Student Open Circles creates on-campus forums for students to discuss their values and social justice concerns.