The Department of Athletics and Recreation is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 19-25. Volunteers are a critical part of the everyday operations of the department, providing the resources needed to deliver quality customer service in all areas.
Volunteering is a selfless act from a person giving up their time and providing their skills and expertise to help others without expecting anything in return. Those that have given back to the department are true Warriors and their passion and commitment is undeniable.
Volunteering has also become a very prominent way of positively impacting our current environment with the COVID-19 pandemic. One great example is University of Waterloo students
volunteering their time to help track and monitor outbreaks of COVID-19 across the country.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have so many outstanding student and alumni volunteers who generously give their time to enhance our service and program delivery," said director of athletics and recreation,
Roly Webster.
"We are seeing how important volunteerism is to our region and country throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Many are stepping up, while keeping social distancing as a priority, to provide necessary resources to help people navigate this unprecedented time. It is very encouraging and inspirational to see."
The magic of volunteering is that it creates social and economic value for all and we are seeing how prevalent that is in our current environment. The department is also very fortunate to have the support of alumni and community volunteers lending their time and talent to support our student-athletes and programs.
"Volunteering is a two-way street and we hope the contributions and impact are rewarding and mutually beneficial," mentioned Webster. "We are truly thankful for all the volunteers who were so generous this past year and the ongoing effort of those graciously giving their time during the pandemic."
In 2019, Athletics and Recreation had over 500 volunteers give their time within various areas of our department including; Advancement, Clubs, Marketing and Outreach, Move Your Mind, Aquatics, Strength and Conditioning, and Athletic Therapy.
Throughout the week, the department will be thanking volunteers on social media for their selfless contributions. Below are a couple profiles of volunteers throughout the department.
Name: Ken Cousineau
Grad Year: BES 1976, Urban & Regional Planning
Volunteer area: Warriors Men's Hockey Alumni Committee Member
What motivates you to volunteer with the Warriors?
My time as a member of the Waterloo Warriors hockey program was a memorable and fun part of my university life. My teammates continue to be some of my best friends and after 45 years there is still regular contact with many of the guys. After raising five children, one of whom is a Warriors alumnus (cross country), and with my working life entering a more relaxed phase, these memories and the experiences that we shared have motivated me to volunteer for the Warriors Men's Hockey Alumni Committee. I hope that my efforts assist in making the experiences of the present, past and future "teammates" as meaningful as mine were for me.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Warriors?
There are several aspects to volunteering with the Warriors that make it enjoyable. The fellow committee members are truly motivated and excited about being part of an effort to help current and future team members have a memorable Warrior career and to engage Warrior alumni and celebrate the proud history of Warrior hockey. It's also about providing opportunities for all members of the Warrior hockey family (players, coaches and support staff) to network and stay connected. Our meetings are business-like, but not without the friendly banter that populates the dressing rooms of many sports teams, thus restoring those memories and truly giving me the feeling that I'm, once again, part of a team. My participation has also allowed me to start some new friendships and to continue some that I had previously enjoyed.
Anything else you would like to add?
Being a University of Waterloo volunteer has very much rekindled my interest in both the hockey program as well as the broader University of Waterloo community and I am excited to be of service and to assist, in some small way, in making student life and the University experience the best it can be for varsity athletes and the entire school community.
Name: Mary Ann Vaughan, retired UW Economics professor
Grad Year: MA 1992, Economics
Volunteer area: Warriors Football Team
What motivates you to volunteer with the Warriors?
Volunteering, at its heart, involves a desire to do good for others. Helping others gives me a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. Most of my time is given to Warriors Football. Whether it's helping with camp registration, a meet and greet with parents of prospective recruits, or a task that may need attention, I am pleased to do what I can to contribute to the program. It's a lot of fun. The motivated, competitive team atmosphere is exhilarating. I love being even the smallest part of it all, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Warriors?
There are so many things to enjoy about volunteering with the Warriors. I have gotten to know the people who run the Department of Athletics and Recreation and the people who coach and support our Warrior teams. These people, I am now pleased to call my friends. With Warriors Football, I have been privileged to watch games at home and from the sidelines, and share in the game excitement. The student-athletes know me and are welcoming.
Anything else you would like to add.
Volunteering is meant to help other people and I certainly try to make myself useful whenever I can. But, the overwhelming appreciation from the Warriors has actually contributed in a very big way to my well-being. When I became a widow, the Warriors family made me one of their own. I'll be forever grateful for their love and support.
Name: Jayna Fuller
Year: 3
Program of study: Recreation & Leisure Studies
Volunteer area: Athletics Marketing, Game Day Promotions
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
Something that motivates me to volunteer with the Warrior is the smiles you see from the different people you interact with. You get such a wide variety of people at the game, such as alumni, parents, family, friends, students, and children. Being a part of a large team that has the opportunity to provide an excellent experience to fans is just so incredible. It allows me the chance to be more confident, approaching fans to answer a question or compete in a challenge to win a prize. All in all, I would say what motivates me the most about volunteering with the Warriors is seeing people's smiles and laughter when coming out to a game.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
One of the aspects in which I enjoyed most about volunteering with the Warriors is that it has allowed me to stay connected with UWaterloo while I was on co-op off campus. As well, I found that once I came back to campus I felt like I belonged at UW more so than ever. It is a great reminder as to why I got into Recreation & Leisure Studies. Another aspect of what I enjoyed is that I was able to reconnect with my former high school teachers at one of the volleyball game days. The same teachers who encouraged me in high school to apply to UW for my current program. Volunteering has allowed me to get back to something that I loved to do in high school, and now have the opportunity to rediscover my passion for game day promotion within athletic events. I have made so many great new connections volunteering these past two terms. We have shared many laughs and memories that I will remember for years and I hope to have the opportunity to volunteer again this fall 😊
Anything else you want to add?
T-shirt toss is always such a fun & interactive event. I'm looking forward to the fall term when games start back up again so I can help with this, LET'S GO WARRIORS!!!
Name: Emma Hatcher
Year: Fourth Year
Program of study: Kinesiology
Volunteer area: Student Trainer
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
Every time I go and volunteer, I learn something new – that's what motivates me. It's a unique opportunity because it allows me to take the concepts and ideas I see in the classroom and explore them in the real world a couple hours after learning them. I think that knowing what I'm learning in fact does have a practical purpose, helps me stay focused in class too!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
The people! This is such a great way to meet new students from all different faculties and years. As well, the relationships I've developed with mentors whom I've gotten to learn from and work with, were unexpected but I am so grateful for them! These interactions create a lighthearted and welcoming vibe in the clinic.
Anything else you want to add?
We have so many things we
need to do in our lives, but volunteering is a choice. The ability to go out, find something you're passionate about and dedicate your time to it, that makes volunteering different from the other obligations we're tied to – and I think that the freedom makes the experience so much better.
Name: Riley Mills
Year: 5
Program of study: Earth Science (Hydrogeology), with Chemistry Minor
Volunteer area: Triathlon Club (organizing club and leading Indoor Cycling)
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
Triathlon may be an individual sport, but it truly takes a village to develop an athlete. I want the Triathlon Club to create an environment for athletes of all ability levels to share their passion for the sport. I owe much of my development as a triathlete to people with far more experience than myself who have shared their time and knowledge. I want to do my part to share the experience I have gained so far with others. The UW Varsity Cross Country Team (both coaches and athletes), the UW Varsity Swim Coach, and the elite local triathletes of the KW Triathlon Club have all generously contributed to my development as a triathlete, and I am motivated to pay that forward.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
Group training is a great opportunity to connect with other athletes and witness their enthusiasm for progress.
Name: Veronica Horgan
Year: 4
Program of study: Political Science
Volunteer area: UW Dance Company - Social Planning Executive
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
It is important for clubs to have experiences that make members closer. It is also important for new members on the team to feel supported and welcome, so planning and executing social events throughout the year makes everyone's experience at Waterloo better!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
I love that my volunteering experience keeps me involved and closer to my fellow club members. It is a great way to make close lifelong friends!
Anything else you want to add?
Go Warriors!
Name: Julian Surdi
Year: 3
Program of study: Biomedical Sciences
Volunteer area: UW Dance Company – Fundraising Executive
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
I like contributing to the Warriors spirit and by organizing fundraising events, I get to support the team I am fortunate to be a part of!
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
I enjoy volunteering and supporting the UW Dance Company because it is a way that I can contribute to the team and plan fun events that help us raise money in the process!
Anything else you want to add?
#eatdance!
Name: Maria
Year: 3
Program of study: Psychology
Volunteer area: Move Your Mind
What motivates you to volunteer for the Warriors?
I volunteered as a Move Your Mind workout buddy because I want to help other students get active and reach their fitness goals. Becoming active has made me happier, stronger, and healthier, both physically and mentally and I love that I get to help others make the same changes in their lives.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering for the Warriors?
I find it so rewarding to help my buddies set goals and watch as they achieve them. I love getting to support and encourage my buddies and see them grow as the term goes by.
