Ivey Impact Day is a student led initiative where we take a day outside of the classroom to give back to the communities where we learn. On July 15, 2013, the MBA class of 2014 contributed over 400 volunteer hours to the London community at various organizations such as Habitant for Humanity, London Food Bank, Mission Services, Reforest London and Unity Project.
The day organized by our Corporate Social Responsibility and Fundraising Club, kicked off with an inspirational speech by Chris Moss from the Pillar Nonprofit Network. The enthusiasm from our class was infectious. We were ready to give the classroom a break and put our muscles to work.
I spent the day along with ten other students at Habitat for Humanity Oxford, Middlesex, Elgin’s Restore facility. The ReStore is a second hand renovation supply store that relies on donations and volunteer help. Its shelves are stocked with new and gently used donated renovation supplies that are available at significantly discounted prices. The proceeds from the Restore are used to sustain Habitat for Humanity and fund home building projects.
We spent the morning sorting and putting away inventory used at previous job sites and pulling out nails from donated baseboards for resale. Even in a July heat wave, the camaraderie and spirit displayed by my classmates made the work effortless. This year, we also took the opportunity to use social media to raise awareness and inform the Ivey community about the various initiatives. Throughout the day, we were getting updates from our classmates at the other organizations through social media.
After spending a good portion of our day using our brainpower and muscles, I can say that we were all grateful to be given the opportunity to contribute back to the community of London. Ivey Impact Day not only gave us a chance to bond with classmates outside of the classroom, it helps to put life in perspective. Being in an intense one-year program, we tend to get engrossed in our studies and this day helped to reiterate the importance of social responsibility in all facets of the business world. Most importantly, it reinforces the importance of community in our journey to become future business leaders. We will carry forward the enthusiasm and spirit displayed by our class as we plan for our next Ivey Impact Day. I cannot wait to roll up my sleeves again.
Ivey 2014 MBA students at the Restore for Habitat For Humanity Oxford, Middlesex, Elgin with Jeff Duncan, CEO
About Maileen:
Maileen has an Honours Bachelor of Science in Science and Business from the University of Waterloo. Prior to joining the Ivey MBA Program, she worked at the Technical Standards and Safety Authority in Stakeholder Relations where she was responsible for policy and issues management. At Ivey, Maileen is Social Rep on the Ivey MBA Association Council, plays on the softball team and is a member of the Consulting, Sales and Marketing and Women in Management clubs. Upon completion of her MBA, Maileen plans to pursue a career in management consulting.