Fleming College

Fleming College students will fan out across Peterborough on Saturday, Oct. 3 to put the ‘Fleming Serves’ philosophy into action, taking part in a United Way organized Day of Caring.

Day of Caring is a community-wide United Way event demonstrating the power of volunteering. Volunteers take on light construction, gardening and maintenance tasks while gaining behind-the-scenes insight into the work of local agencies. It’s a win-win for all; much needed projects are completed for agencies and volunteers learn about their community through a hands-on experience.

“It is so great to see young people giving up their Saturday to donate their time to the community.” United Way CEO Jim Russell stated. “These agencies really work hard for Peterborough and having this extra help will be a big boost for them. I want to thank these students and the college for their support.” Russell added.

Champagne Thomson, Director of Program with the Fleming College Student Administrative Council, shared her experience from last year’s Fleming Serves United Way Day of Caring experience:

“During my first semester at Fleming College I participated in the United Way Day of Caring as a way to connect with an agency in the community and was sent to the New Canadian Centre (NCC) for the day. I truly loved my experience working with the agency members and fellow Fleming students, it gave me a genuine sense of belonging,” she said.

“Aside from the volunteer hours which added to my resume, when spring came and the job hunt began it ended up being the crucial aspect which secured me the Newcomer/Child/Youth/Cultural Worker position with the New Canadians Centre as I had already directly worked with the organization. I highly recommend this opportunity to each and every student as it was that edge and experience which gave me a better connection to the Peterborough community, opening the door for the future.”

This year, 64 Fleming students will spend the day volunteering for the Day of Caring with three United Way partner agencies in Peterborough.

The students will gather at the Sutherland Campus at 9:30 a.m. for registration and a welcome address from Shirlanne Pawley-Boyd, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations at Fleming College.

Just prior to the buses leaving the campus at 9:50 a.m., the students will take a group photo outside the main entrance. The students will then travel to the locations and volunteer until 3 p.m. that day. Here are the volunteer sites:

– Green UP

– OPIRG

– Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC)

The Fleming Serves philosophy is part of the college’s strategic plan to build community success, and provide business and community service learning opportunities to students. It is the fourth year students have participated in the United Way Day of Caring.

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Science, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has 5,900 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and more than 68,000 alumni.

About United Way Peterborough and District
United Way Peterborough & District is a local non-profit organization providing resources and volunteer opportunities with local charities since 1941. United Way gives everyone in the City and County of Peterborough the chance to help individuals and families overcome barriers to economic opportunities and life’s tough challenges. As one of the most successful local non-profit organizations, United Way Peterborough has access to extensive resources in our community. Those resources, combined with the continuous support of loyal donors and volunteers and their dedication to the community, are what make United Way the successful non-profit organization it is today. For more information on United Way’s work in the community, please visit uwpeterborough.ca.

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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370