STUdents Strengthen Community Connections Through STU Cares Day of Action

This year’s STU Cares Day of Action gave STUdents the opportunity to connect with local organizations and learn more about how they serve the Fredericton community.

 

Participating STUdents spent the day volunteering at the following:

 

• Ability NB
• Hayes Farm
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton & Oromocto
•  L’Arche Fredericton, John Howard Society
• Multicultural Association of Fredericton 
• Lily’s Place Animal Sanctuary, Opal Family Services
• Greener Village
• Fredericton Community Kitchens
• Habitat for Humanity NB
• Fredericton SPCA

 

STUdent: Claire Morton / Volunteer Location: Ability NB

 

Claire Morton, a second-year Gerontology and Communications STUdent from Windsor, NS, volunteered her time with Ability NB, where she helped clean and maintain adapted athletic equipment.

 

“I came away with a stronger understanding of Ability NB and the importance of accessible programs,” she said.

 

As an aspiring social worker, the experience aligned with her career goals.

 

“This opportunity complemented my education and gave me insight into a sector that’s often overlooked. Even though I wasn’t working directly with the public, our work helps people access equipment that makes participation possible.”

 

STUdent: Simran Kaur / Volunteer Location: Greener Village

 

Simran Kaur, a third-year Psychology and Gerontology STUdent from India, spent the day at Greener Village harvesting crops and helping winterize the gardens.

 

“It was eye-opening to see food growing in the ground instead of just on a supermarket shelf,” she said. “Volunteering gave me practical, real-world exposure to community support systems.”

 

STUdent: Becca Osmond / Volunteer Location: John Howard Society

 

Becca Osmond, a third-year Criminology and Criminal Justice major from Quispamsis, NB, volunteered with the John Howard Society, where she helped clean up around the residence.

 

STU Cares has become an event Osmond looks forward to each year.

 

“What stood out to me was how kind the residents were and how much they appreciated our help,” she said.

 

The experience also related to her career plans.

 

“I want to work with kids who are at risk, so this experience has helped me build connections in the community and strengthen my communication skills with new people.”

 

About STU Cares

 

STU Cares Day of Action is organized by STU's Office of Experiential Learning and Career Development and is supported by the FutureNB initiative. The annual event helps foster a relationship between learning and volunteering, and many of our event partners offer continued volunteering in a more consistent capacity.