Students have combined for nearly 4,700 volunteer hours in 2025
From helping ensure the success of university events to supporting organizations that celebrate arts, culture, and diversity, students from the University of Niagara Falls Canada are making an impact across Niagara and beyond.
The act of giving back has its benefits, both for the community and those who participate. For Master of Management student Ian Sabiiti, volunteering has been especially rewarding.
“Volunteering has enriched my UNF experience in unexpected ways,” said Sabiiti. “Whether I'm serving at African Women Acting, helping at Project SHARE, or contributing to events like the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival or UNF New Student Orientation, I'm constantly reminded of why I volunteer: to support causes I care about, meet incredible people, and make a meaningful difference.”
Sabiiti was one of many to be recognized during the university’s Student Volunteer Appreciation Awards on Oct. 18. Hosted by the Community Engagement team and Student Success Office, the event provided an opportunity to honour the efforts of 105 students who are passionate about making a difference and serving others.
This shared commitment by the UNF student body has supported the likes of the Alzheimer Society of Niagara, City of Niagara Falls, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Niagara Jazz Festival, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Niagara Falls Comic Con, among many others.
Raquel Narvajas, founder of the non-profit La Red de Hispanos, highlighted the impact student volunteers have had on her organization in a video played during the awards ceremony. UNF has a growing collaboration with the organization dedicated to supporting the Hispanic community in Canada.
“Our volunteers make everything possible,” said Narvajas. “We’re incredibly thankful for all that our UNF student volunteers have done, not only for La Red de Hispanos, but most importantly for the Hispanic community in Canada.”
Launched this past spring, UNF’s volunteer recognition program hosts events twice per year to acknowledge the outstanding contributions that students have made in the community. During the ceremony on Oct. 18, awards were presented across four achievement tiers based on the total number of volunteer hours accumulated:
- Bronze Level (Five to 19 hours) – 67 students
- Silver Level (20 to 34 hours) – 25 students
- Gold Level (35 to 54 hours) – eight students
- Platinum Level (55 to 120 hours) – five students
Reflecting on the passion and impact of UNF’s student volunteers, Felicia Werner, Executive Director of Community Engagement said, “Community is at the heart of who we are. By getting involved, these students are helping to build a stronger Niagara while gaining meaningful experiences and connections that will support them in their future endeavours.”
The next ceremony is set to take place in the spring of 2026.
As UNF continues to grow, the university remains committed to establishing partnerships and creating opportunities for students to give back, develop leadership skills, and gain hands-on learning experiences.
