Fast letter on International Service Day

Hi Everyone,

It has been another busy and productive semester so far! 

We have been building wheelchair ramps (even in the cold/snow), working on some trailers, and new shelves for The Warming House.


There is still a long ways to go on jobs however so I figured we should get better at the newsletter, so even if it is now pretty, here is a fast (text version) on what is going on and how you can get involved. Locally we do something almost every weekend.  The dates and times change but you can follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bonaresponds) or check out http://BonaResponds.org to get a better indication. 


FEB 28-MARCH 5----we will be in Greenville South Carolina working at multiple sites.  If you are in the area, we'd love to have you along!  Even if just for part of a day!  Or bring a sleeping bag and come for a longer time.  The work will be good and I am sure you will have a great time helping others.

MARCH 26---Our big International Service Day is Saturday March 26th.  This is open to anyone who lives in the Milky Way Galaxy.  (or at least on Earth!).  It is a simple idea:  go and do something good and then share your experience with thousands of others via pictures, video, written reflections, or by calling in to our VoiceQuilt line. All too often people look at problems (from education, to litter, to you name it) and think the problem is too big.  We want to show that little things add up and if

We will having events in many cities all around the world. You do not need to have any tie to St.Bonaventure University, but you do have to be willing to improve the world.  From large jobs (cleaning parks, helping in Earthquake recovery, or remodeling homes) to small jobs (taking an elderly neighbor to the store, visiting a nursing home, or simply checking in on a handicapped neighbor) every bit adds up.   You can participate alone or with any sized group.

In the US we will have more organized events in the metro Olean-Allegany and also some smaller towns such as New York City, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo.  BUT if there is not something where you are, start something!  We are open to anyone and willing to work with everyone.  So get involved.  To Sign-up or for more information go to http://bonaresponds.org/isd.html


APRIL 9-10 will be our local "Service Weekend"  This is when we will have teams of volunteers at various jobs around Olean area for 2 great days of helping others.  We are already lining up jobs for the weekend, so mark your calendars!  (and if you are a local organization that needs help, feel free to submit your job at http://BonaResponds.org


APRIL 15-17 we will be traveling to Camden NJ and Philadelphia.  We will be working at St. Francis Inn (in Philly) and with Fr. Jud's St. Anthony of Padua parish. 



for this and MUCH more please see BonaResponds.org!

thanks and hope to see you all involved in upcoming events!


jim


Not sure if you want to do something on March 26th?  Check out the comments from last year!
http://bonaresponds.org/isd.html

BonaResponds announces date of Second Annual International Service Day

BonaResponds announces date of Second Annual International Service Day:

"International Service Day is when BonaResponds reaches out to people all over the United States and the world to create volunteer opportunities, or simply help people, in order to improve their communities and the world as a whole, said Jim Mahar, professor of finance at St. Bonaventure and leader of BonaResponds.



Last March, BonaResponds held its inaugural International Service Day and made an impact in more than two dozen cities and 10 countries. Volunteer efforts were organized all over the world, with people painting, doing playground work, donating to food pantries, building a school, and undertaking other initiatives. Those who contributed to International Service Day posted their stories on the BonaResponds website to share their experiences"

By Richard Haag

Salamanca Ramp job

Here are some pictures from this past Sunday in Salamanca working on a ramp.

Video of a job we did this past summer in Buffalo

We worked many weekend up at Justin and Sal's house in Buffalo with Cricket Communications.  Here is a video they put together about it. 

Warming House begins its move - News

Warming House begins its move - News:

"'Really, a major part of the work has been done by students,' Larry Sorokes director of the Center for Community engagement said. 'It's difficult to name all the names, but our student coordinators have been with us right along.'

Several organizations, including BonaResponds, the men's rugby team and ROTC cadets, have or will help The Warming House transition to their new location within a few weeks."

A Thank You [for a walker]

A few weeks ago Jim, a former Olean resident who now lives in Florida, reached out to a BonaResponds Volunteer.  He was not asking for help, but rather just telling his story.  The volunteer (who wishes to remain nameless) took the story to the attention of other BonaResponds' leaders and with 30 minute we reached out to the Medical Loan Closet and within a few days Jim had the seated walker that he needed.

Jim and his family have been amazingly thankful for this and wanted to thank each and every donor who made this possible.

Here are a few of their words of gratitude:

From Jim after he got the walker:

"...to all the people who made this possible thank u so very much. I cannot express to all of you how you made me happy and feel like a new person.  This meant the world to me.  It is so much easier to get around without having to worry about loosing my footing and falling. Again thank you all so much and god bless u all for making this happen.."

Via a FB chat when we told him he would be getting the walker:

"I owe you big time and when I get better you will get my service in helping others [I] can guarantee that."

"I've got tears rolling...in 9 years no one [has] ever helped me at all...thank you soo very much."

been a very emotional roller coaster for me in the last 9 yrs."

From Mike: 

"I am Jim's brother and just want to thank you for helping my brother out with his walker. That was so kind and my family thinks the world of you [BonaResponds] and St Bonas. Thanks again!!!!!!"

That is why our mission statement is simply "to help".  If we limited it, it would be hard to imagine where bringing donors in WNY and a recipient in Florida in a non natural disaster situation would be listed in the mission.  So from Jim in Florida, as well as Jim in BonaResponds ;) , thank you to all who help in so many ways.

Greenville Trip

BonaResponds Spring Break trip to Greenville SC.

BonaResponds is going to Greenville SC over spring break.  We will be leaving Sunday Feb 27th and returning March 6th.  It is open to all. Work  will include helping Fr. Pat Tuttle, helping in an elementary school (St. Anthony of Padua), ramp building, fix ups, clean-ups, and basically whatever the area needs.  It is open to all (priority will be given to those who frequently help oin local days). 

Cost will be between $150 and $200 (still figuring some out).  $100 if you meet us there.  (if cost is the only thing holding you back, please come to the meeting and discuss financial alternatives.   There will be a SHORT meeting 5:20 to 5:45 on Tues in Murphy 103.

Royce Fellowship aligns sports and academics - The Brown Daily Herald - News

Royce Fellowship aligns sports and academics - The Brown Daily Herald - News:

"Kerrissa Heffernan summed up the scope of the Royce Fellowship for Sport and Society with the story of a simple trade. Ask a former child soldier to trade his gun for a soccer ball, she said, and 'the kid would say okay … It's powerful stuff.'

Heffernan, director of the fellowship and faculty engagement for the Swearer Center for Public Service, was referring to a research project on former child combatants. The study was conducted by former fellow volleyball player Brianna Williamson '11"

So I guess the 400 soccer balls we have sent to Haiti are a very good thing :) (not that there was ever any doubt!)

H/T to GoalsHaiti! A great group working in Leogane.