Volunteering Information Session October 1 st , 2009

1. Volunteering Information SessionOctober 1st, 2009 Please pick up a handout at the front

2. Program: 2nd year Honors Physiology Favorite Course: Biology 1222 Favorite Prof: Dr. Zinke Allmang Favorite Charity: Camp Trillium Favorite Quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Gandhi Anushree DaveVolunteer Coordinator, Pre-Med Society

3. Program: 2nd Year Honors Specialization in Pathology and Toxicology Favorite Course: Bio 1222 Favorite Prof: Dennis Maxwell Favorite Charity: All of them! Favorite Quote: “Just do it.” – some Nike marketing person Jason LamVolunteer Coordinator, Pre-Med Society

4. Why Should I Volunteer? Shows you’re interested in helping others and you value the personal rewards, rather than monetary rewards Shows Med schools you value community involvement, and have good leadership, diversity and people interaction abilities Shows experience, dedication and interest May learn why you want to work in medicine or which ever field you wish to pursue It’s a chance to do something meaningful while taking a break from school life May enhance your skill set while you learn by doing hands-on work Med schools require 48 things accomplished in the past 5 years

5. McMaster Application Questions • When asked why you want to pursue a career in medicine, a frequent response is ''I want to help people''. There are many other career choices (teaching, nursing, social work, etc.) in which altruism is a necessary ingredient. Why have you chosen medicine? • It is important to find the right fit between medical school and student. What concerns do you have about the fit between you and McMaster? • Describe a significant experience that you consider a success in your life. Reflect on the factors that led to this success. • Describe a significant experience that you consider a failure in your life. Reflect on the factors that led to this failure. • What aspect of yourself would you change? Reflect on why you possess that attribute and what, if anything, you have done to change it.

6. Service Learning Days • 25 Pre-Med members will meet Saturday morning, be put into their groups and will be given bus routes to various volunteer destinations across London. • We will volunteer for the day, meet new people and make connections in the community. • At the end of the day, we will return to Western for reflection about what we have learned, how we have affected the community, and how the experience has affected us. • Dinner will be ready and waiting for us to eat during our reflection. • Sign up for the organization you would like to volunteer with at the end of this meeting. Spaces are limited!!

7. Upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions • Alzheimer Society Presentation – Oct. 8th • Camp Trillium Presentation – Oct. 15th

8. Upcoming Volunteer Trips • London Food Bank – Oct 13 • Ark Aid Soup Kitchen – Oct 30 • Ark Aid Soup Kitchen – Nov 17 • Service Learning Day – Nov. 21st • Mount Hope, Family/Women’s Shelter and Boys & Girls Club.

9. London Food Bank • www.londonfoodbank.net • Mission • to help a caring community share its food resources • Volunteer Opportunities • Sorting food • Packing hampers

10. Camp Trillium • www.camptrillium.com • Mission • The Trillium Childhood Cancer Support Centre offers and promotes recreational experiences to bring children with cancer and their families together • The Trillium Centre provides an environment that normalizes relationships and experiences, helping children and families in the healing process and enhancing their quality of life.

11. Camp Trillium • Volunteer Opportunities • Teen Camps • Fall Family Camps • Youth Groups • Special Friend Matching Program • Clinic Support Program • Community Teen Nights • Camp Trillium Information Night • Oct. 15th

12. Alzheimer’s Society of London • http://www.alzheimerlondon.ca/ • Mission • to advocate for and promote the development of support services, education, and research in London and Middlesex County for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. • Volunteer Opportunities • Volunteer Companion Program • Alzheimer Information Series

13. Ark Aid • A chance to serve the homeless and less fortunate community in London. You will be helping out with the “soup kitchen” and servingdinner for them. There will also be games, festival activities, tournaments that you can participate in. A great way to connect with the community and share what you are grateful for with others. • You can commit to either: Friday, October 30th Tuesday, November 17th • Time Commitment: 6:00- 9:00pm

14. Ark Aid To participate: Look out for an email in the near future, and respond quickly as it is first come first serve! If there are still spots left, an e-mail will be sent out. 100% Commitment

15. London Abused Women’s Centre • London Distress Centre • LUSO Community Services • -Madam Vanier Children’s Services • -Salvation Army Correctional • and Justice Services • -Salvation Army Centre of Hope • -St. Josephs Health Care Centre • -United Way • … and many more! • Boys’ and Girls’ Club of London • Brain Injury Association of London • Chelsea Park Retirement Community • Children’s Aid Society of London • Community Living London • Child and Parent Resource Institute • Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario • Hospice of London Other places to get involved…

16. Thanks For Joining Us! Happy Volunteering!