From public lectures to signature celebrations such as Canada Day, we're honoured to invite our community to the University of Waterloo.
This story is part of the #UWCommunity National Volunteer week series, profiling University of Waterloo members who give their time and talent by volunteering in our community.
Ryan Connell has an infectious positive energy.
Currently the Communications Officer for the University of Waterloo’s Student Success Office and part-time student in the Social Development Studies program, Ryan cares a great deal about making life better for those around him. Whether it be through a simple kind gesture or a carefully constructed campaign, he acknowledges the value of sharing his skills with others and spreading positivity throughout different communities.
“We’re so wrapped up in our day to day lives that we don’t always take the time to think about the small things that can really make a difference for somebody else.”
On November 7, 2014 the University of Waterloo teamed up with The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation and our Federation of Students to spread kindness on our campus and in the community. #UWaterlooRAK day saw hundreds of students, staff, faculty, and community members giving and receiving random acts of kindness. Some of the activities included sharing kindness treats, gratitude and thank you card stations, exemptions on parking violations, the collection of winter wearables for those in need, toiletry donations for the Out of the Cold program, kindness encounters with Tony the Tiger and King Warrior, and a local community clean-up.
On November 1, the University of Waterloo and our partners participated in Random Act of Kindness Day.
Staff from the Student Success Office were on hand to give out treats -- and good thoughts.