Making a difference in the community

Making a difference in the community

Jonathon Bruce interviews a representative from the new UNBSJ Volunteer Unit

Last year, a group of students decided to form an organization dedicated to helping on the UNBSJ campus and the City of Saint John. They are the UNBSJ Student Volunteer Unit. Brad Trecartin agreed to be interviewed for an article on the group. The interview was conducted via telephone on January 20^th, 2010.

Jonathan Bruce: What are the current objectives of the Student Volunteer Unit?

Brad Trecartin: In terms of goals and objectives, we basically want to achieve what we can, be involved, be present, and make a difference. We assist with orientation around campus, enhance and promote the school spirit, and act as a helping hand to clubs and organizations on campus and in the community. We are so fortunate to live where we do, to go to school, and getting an education. It’s important to give back.

JB: In regards to your role in the group, how exactly did it come about? What motivated you to join the SVU?

BT: How did it all start? This summer I was approached by Krista Turnbull, who wanted to see some sort of a group of students that she could call upon for events. She found she was always tapping into the same people. So, she approached me with the idea, and we started throwing things around before deciding this was definitely something that needed to be done. One individual on his or her own would not be motivated to go out and volunteer by themselves, but when you take five or six friends, it can make a big difference to the students and the people you are helping. I personally was looking for a way to get more involved on campus, not being old enough for a position on the Students Representative Council, and not really finding another group to get me active on and off campus. So this was a great boost for me. We started having meetings in the summer, forming a constitution, putting an executive together, and looking for funding. This was a lot of work, but we are already seeing the success.

JB: Who are the other members of the group, and what are their roles?

BT: Our executive members are myself- President, Greg Knudson- Vice-President, and Ashley Carpenter as Secretary.

JB: Discuss the formation of the students into a full-fledged group. How did you manage to gain funding, support, etc? How do students and other people take notice?

BT: Since our birth in September 2009, we have secured funding from the Vice-President’s office and Alumni to purchase jackets. These jackets are given to students once they complete their sixth event; there are a good number of volunteers who have continued to contribute. Also, we purchased SVU T-shirts designed by Greg with the membership fee we charge members. We charged a fee so that we could attract students who actually want to participate and make a difference, not emails on lists with no motivation to participate. The T-shirts and jackets make them recognizable in the community and give them a sense of pride. We are very appreciative of the financial support and help of volunteers that we have received.

JB: How does the group reach out to the city of Saint John?

BT: In terms of events, we have done a Halloween Party at Crescent Valley Resources Centre, a Christmas dinner at a Hazen White St. Francis, created the UNB float with Krista Turnbull for the Santa Claus Parade, etc. We have also collected coats for kids on and off campus, organized a blood clinic on campus, helped decorate the Alumni Tree, visited the Churches of Saint John and Saint Stephen Home to sing carols, and we served dinner to the international students in September for Bonnie Sudul.

In terms of future events for this term, we will be very active in the Pavilion Cup Pond Hockey Tournament in February, and the OREO competition will be held on campus that same month. There will be more initiative to do more at Hazen White, Crescent Valley, and much more.

JB: I’ve noticed recently that the SVU really aims to get international students involved in their activities and ventures.

BT: Another point to make: in the planning stages, we really thought it was important to get international students involved. This is a great way for them to interact with other students, get to know their campus and community, and build a better resume. We are happy to say that we have a good international student representation.

JB: What are your thoughts on the Haiti disaster, and what does the group feel about it? If you could play a role in the aftermath of the earthquake, what would it be and why?

BT: In terms of the Haiti disaster, our offices have been swamped. We have not had time to discuss it, but I know there are other groups on campus taking the initiative. We may look at helping them in some form or another, doing a fundraiser.

JB: Thank you for your time.

Jonathon Bruce is a volunteer writer with the Baron.