The University of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) is hosting its annual Volunteer Fair today, inviting a number of local organizations to campus in an effort to show students the many ways in which they can impact their community.

The Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Hall Atrium and showcases a number of not-for-profit organizations from around the region.

"Volunteering gives students an alternative, and very meaningful, way of getting involved in their community," says Taz Kassam, ULSU president. "Volunteering is important for those receiving the help, but also for those who are participating in various volunteering acts."

The Volunteer Fair is hosting some 20 different organizations, ranging from Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Canadian Cancer Society, the YWCA and Canadian Blood Services to various campus clubs such as the Rotaract Club and the Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship.

"The importance of volunteering is something that should be instilled within our institution," says Kassam. "Volunteers, for example, teach children to read; act as mentors to young people; help feed the old and sick; help build wells for communities so everyone can access clean drinking water; help maintain peace and democracy; lend a hand to a survivor of conflicts and wars; help assist with long term development projects and preserve the environment, among many other things."

For a look at how the Students' Union has been involved in volunteering, check out this story.