The University of Guelph decided to take a philanthropic approach to recruiting last September at the Ontario Universities’ Fair in Toronto.
Prospective students who signed up for more information from the school had a dollar donated in their name to Habitat for Humanity Wellington County. The results of that initiative led Joel Harnest, liaison officer for recruitment events, to present Habitat’s executive director Diane Nelson with a $3,500 donation on Feb. 4. Harnest believes the initiative brings to life the University’s tagline.
“The University of Guelph is committed to ‘Changing Lives, Improving Life’,” he said.
“We wanted our prospective students to be a part of that mission as well, and [Habitat], in its efforts to provide affordable housing locally and around the world, really does change lives and improve life.”
The university has had a strong relationship with Habitat for Humanity for many years. The University of Guelph Habitat chapter organizes annual reading week excursions to southern states and Central American regions.
Many of its students and graduates volunteer in Habitat builds throughout Guelph and Wellington County.
Those who attended the Santa Claus Parade in 2009 and 2010 may have seen students in the parade alongside the Wellington County ReStore float.
Many of those students also volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity Building a Dream annual fundraising event. Nelson values the relationship the Wellington County affiliate shares with the University.
“The University chapter does outstanding work both on and off campus to fulfill the mission and values set by the Habitat organization; they are an asset to the affiliate throughout the community,” he said.
