Having started in 2013 and going into their third year as a community, the University of Saskatchewan student group Do Something continues to provide more opportunities for students who want to make a difference and are keen on helping others.

The U of S student group is one of the many branches of Do Something, a non-profit organization with approximately 4.2 million members in 130 countries worldwide. Those involved with the initiative take part in creating campaigns and fundraisers that target different issues in society. For the U of S branch, some of the main causes over the past two years included homelessness and poverty in Saskatoon, human rights, animal rights, education and literacy, discrimination and physical and mental health.

Emily McEwen, president of Do Something U of S, speaks to how the initiative operates within the campus community.

“Basically, we make connections with different groups around Saskatoon and provide volunteer opportunities for students. We have a bunch of students that want to volunteer and then a bunch of organizations that need volunteers and so we then make those connections,” McEwen said.

Do Something U of S also has several causes that they are passionate about, and they even plan some of their own events. One such event is happening during the first week of October. The community is going to have a bake sale in the Health Sciences Building for the Syrian refugees and the money raised will be matched by the Canadian government. In addition, the group is hosting a pub-crawl in November for the refugee crisis.

Moreover, on Sept. 21-22, the group partnered with OneMatch, an extension of Canadian Blood Services, to host “Get Swabbed,” where students volunteered to have their cheeks swabbed as a means of registering as potential stem cell donors. The event has been going strong since the community’s first year and has been able to add over 200 people to Canada’s bone marrow donor registry.

McEwen adds that by getting involved with the community, one can learn their strengths and be reminded that what we are capable of doing matters and can lead to positive outcomes in someone else’s life.

“A lot of students struggle with finding a sense of purpose, belonging and a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and I really think that student groups can be a great way to work through those struggles,” McEwen said.

Tia Lynn, public relations representitive for Do Something U of S, also shares her experience with the community.

“One of the best parts about volunteering with Do Something is the friendships formed between myself and like-minded peers who strive to make a difference, pursue positive change and take action in making our community a better place for everyone,” Lynn said in an email to the Sheaf.

Do Something U of S also has an ongoing partnership with The Lighthouse, where once a month, they send a crew of volunteers to go run the community kitchen. The group is also planning to help out with the Saskatoon Food Bank and is setting up a partnership with LutherCare Special Care Home near the university. The group is always looking for new ideas whether from old, new or non-members.

Courtney Onstad, vice-president of Do Something U of S, understands some students’ hesitation to take on yet another commitment but insists it is a worthy cause.

“It’s very easy to become overwhelmed with our busy schedules and give up on getting involved. We just have to push through those tough times and realize that time is precious so we must make the most of it,” Onstad said in an email to the Sheaf.

“My advice to students: it’s tough, but get involved anyway. You’ll realize how much more productive you are, how many new people you can meet and how enjoyable you can make your experience at university. Just do something!”

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Jaline Broqueza

Photo: Tia Lynn / Supplied