Students sign up to give back

A volunteer expo at Massey’s Manawatu campus today helped connect community organisations with student volunteers.

Twenty-eight organisations took part and met students wanting to volunteer, gain experience and make a difference.

Massey careers consultant John Ross says volunteer expos now run annually on all three campuses and organisations were keen to be involved.

“They do so because they recognise the skills and talents Massey students offer, and value the commitment of our students.”

Mr Ross says future employers also value students and graduates who undertake voluntary work. “It shows commitment; civic engagement and a keenness to give back and to make a difference, and students develop relevant skills through it.”

Red Cross area manager Adrienne Transom says volunteers around the country are involved in a range of programmes on a daily basis and the organisation is keen to get more people involved.

“We appreciate the opportunity to participate in the Massey Volunteer Expo and hope to establish a Red Cross Massey Group to run activities, get involved in local and national fundraising programmes and promote the principles of Red Cross to the younger community sector.”

SPCA Palmerston North volunteer coordinator Mark Dowden says students were signing up at the expo to volunteer, dog walk and become animal fosterers. Vet students especially saw the mutual benefits of volunteering with the organisation. 

For first-year medical laboratory science student Lynn Chen the expo was a chance to explore ways to volunteer and help the community, and a tool for personal growth.

For a list of organisations involved go to: http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/student-life/services-students/careers/volunteering/manawatu-volunteer-expo.cfm