The youth of our generation are often stereotyped as lazy and lacking compassion.
But don’t tell this to the more than 230 Carleton students who stepped up Sept. 26 to lend 23 Ottawa-based organizations a helping hand through the Carleton Serves program.
The tasks involved anything from sorting perishable goods to collecting garbage off the streets – all with the goal of elping the local community.
Since its creation three years ago, the program has more than doubled in size.
“We hope to see continued growth in years to come,” said program co-ordinator Joe Lipsett.
This is Lipsett’s first year heading the program, but he said he thinks it offers a fantastic opportunity to students.
“It’s a great lead in to the year, and encourages continued involvement for students throughout their university experience,” he said.
“The program really helps us to connect to the university network,” said volunteer co-ordinator Kelly Bowden of The Otesha Project, an organization that promotes sustainable living.
The project has been involved with Carleton Serves for the past two years.
“Students who participate in the program often end up volunteering with us throughout the year,” Bowden said.
The project saw students binding recycled books, something that helped promote their message of “sustainability in action.”
Last weekend’s kickoff event is only the beginning. For the rest of the academic year, students involved in the program will be dedicating a minimum of two days a month volunteering with different organizations across Ottawa.