For some students, volunteer work is just another way to boost their resume. However, for the students who are a part of University of Guelph’s Rotaract Club, it provides a sense of community and an opportunity to socialize with others.  Rotaract Guelph is U of G’s version of the Rotary Club, an organization that focuses on charitable work. It aims to support local organizations on a community scale. Whether it is lending a hand to a campus organization or initiative, or giving back to the community of Guelph, the acts of giving and supporting fuel Rotaract Guelph’s drive to continue the charitable work they selflessly do.

 

For years, Rotaract Guelph has helped numerous individuals within Guelph by raising  money, spreading awareness, and providing opportunities. Rotaract Guelph gives people involved the chance to network and build connections. Whether it is with fellow committee members or outside people within the community, Rotaract Guelph aids individuals in building bonds that last a lifetime.

 

Although Rotaract Guelph shares similar core values to other charitable organizations, its sense of community is the defining trait that makes it stand out from others.

 

Jada Welch, Rotaract Guelph’s head of volunteering, told The Ontarion that it was the club’s welcoming nature that encouraged her to join.

 

“For me, I really joined because in first year [a lot of first years feel isolated and lonely], so it was a mental health aspect [as to] why I joined,” Welch said. “Even at the first meeting, everyone was so friendly with each other, and it was really more a social thing for me at first.”

 

Welch added that the club provides a sense of belonging and is similar to that of a family due to its meaningful connections.

 

This sense of community has been a leading factor in the successful fundraising events Rotaract Guelph has done over the years. Each school year, Rotaract Guelph spends one semester focusing solely on one organization. Typically for this, the fundraiser is a larger event, as seen with their annual Gala event.

 

The other semester is spent focusing on numerous organizations, followed by smaller-scaled but still impactful fundraisers. Last semester, Rotaract Guelph made numerous contributions through their events. This included painting the cannon for Polio Awareness Month, hosting the “Blind Date with a Book” sale, ornament painting, and participating in Trick or Eat to help collect nonperishable items for food banks.

 

Despite it still being the start of the semester, Rotaract Guelph already has big plans. From bake sales and participating in Relay for Life, to hosting their tenth annual Gala, they are destined to make a significant impact as usual.

 

Ellie Petrak, the president of the Rotaract Guelph club, shared that this year’s Gala is set for March 7 with the theme of a starry night in honour of supporting The Nightingale Centre.

 

The Nightingale Centre is an amazing resource that offers grief support for youth and families. If a young one has lost a loved one, The Nightingale Centre offers a variety of support services such as free therapy and group activities for those in the Guelph-Wellington area. Recognizing that this type of resource is not available for all youth, Rotaract Guelph is focusing all its effort on providing support where it can.

 

With their desire to make an impact, Rotaract Guelph is always open to having new members. Whether you are interested in making a difference or want to build long-lasting relationships, there are endless reasons for getting involved.

 

People interested are welcome to attend the weekly Tuesday meetings at 5.30 p.m. in the Summerlee Science Complex in room 3317. Additionally, following @rotaractguelph on Instagram and joining them on Gryphlife is a great way to stay up to date.