By Annabelle McIntosh – Opinions Editor 

On Wednesday, Sept. 27, Bishop’s Career and Transition Services hosted a volunteer fair in the Gait, a very important event I believe all students should try to attend as volunteering is a rewarding activity. The venue was filled with dozens of opportunities for Gaiters to help out with on campus or in the Eastern Townships community. As someone who has volunteered thousands of hours in different organizations, I knew the importance of giving back. Today, I wanted to talk to others to see why they believe it is important to volunteer. 

Some examples of the groups present were Grace Village, Bishop’s Bees, BU Community Cupboard, Mae Sot Education Project, Bishop’s Alumni Association, Gris Estrie, Phelps Helps and the Lennoxville Youth Center. I visited every booth and spoke to most of the representatives at the event. It was very interesting and exciting to see all the different opportunities the Eastern Townships have to offer that I had no idea about. All were very passionate about the groups they represented. It felt very inspiring to hear about the change volunteering can bring, no matter how small the position may seem. 

Phelps Helps is an organization that provides students in Stanstead free tutoring and guidance support. I asked Phelps Helps representative, Kristy Pyle, why she believes it is important to volunteer. “Finding a place that you are 

passionate about volunteering is not only good for yourself, but it’s just another step in building that amazing Townships community”, says Pyle. She mentioned that volunteering is also great for personal development and “the job skills and intrapersonal skills that you can develop through volunteering are going to be so beneficial to your future career and look really good on a CV too.” 

“A lot of organizations are struggling to find younger volunteers right now”, explains Pyle. “I think younger people in the Townships have so much to offer.” Since students are the future, more young people should step up and keep all these amazing initiatives alive. 

Students should take advantage of events like this and seek various volunteer opportunities. This event truly showcased the impact that students can have on their school and local community, and I believe it can inspire more Gaiters to want to get out in their community and make a difference. There are so many different opportunities to find an organization that clicks with your goals and beliefs. It is very rewarding, helps with personal and career development and looks great on a resume. You never know what new connections you might make.

Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Liu