The second-annual Trent University Day of Service was held on Saturday, May 4 with the goal of bringing together Trent alumni and community members around the world to volunteer with organizations in their area. More than 100 alumni (and family and friends) participated in the day in communities across Canada and the world including Vancouver, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Switzerland and California.

“We've seen such an enthusiastic response to this initiative in the last two years and it truly speaks to the lessons we've learned at Trent,” said Trent University Alumni Association president Jess Grover ’02.  “I'm overjoyed to see alumni make a difference in their communities with the spirit of Trent in their hearts.”

In Peterborough, volunteers worked at Kawartha Food Share, preparing food for transport to food banks and emergency cupboards, as well as at Sadleir House (on the site of the former Peter Robinson College), where they assisted with Doors Open Peterborough. In Durham, volunteers helped out at WindReach Farms, doing spring clean-up and farm chores. In Vancouver, members of the West Coast Chapter continued their tradition of working with Ronald McDonald House.

Volunteers Around the World
Photos and stories have come in from alumni in communities across the globe.

"I was so excited to hear about the Trent Alumni Day of Service!” wrote alumna Claire Zovighian ’96 in a note to organizers. “What a great idea, to give back to our communities, and bring alumni together, across the country! I chose to volunteer independently and joined my husband and his friends for a litter clean-up of a park in Toronto. It was snowing on our drive into the city, and cold and windy, but that didn’t stop us. We managed to warm up afterwards and I’m looking forward to participating again in the future!"

Lee Hays ’91, director of Alumni Services and Engagement, spent the day doing chores at WindReach Farm.

“WindReach does so much to enrich the lives of persons with disabilities and/or special needs,” she said. “The opportunity to volunteer at the farm with my children was an enjoyable experience and meaningful way to contribute to such a worthwhile endeavour.” 

This initiative was made possible through the generosity of TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, the Alumni Day of Service lead sponsor.