UBC Sauder Gives Back: Responsible Leadership Through Community Service

UBC Sauder Gives Back is a student-run initiative of the Student Engagement Portfolio at the Commerce Undergraduate Society (CUS). The planning committee coordinated a variety of volunteer opportunities this year, from preparing a three-course meal for residents of the Downtown Vancouver Eastside, to crafting handwritten letters for seniors in care homes, to maintaining the rooftop gardens at the AMS Nest on the UBC Point Grey campus and more.

From September 25 to October 6, 2023, students, faculty, staff and alumni came together for UBC Sauder Gives Back, 2-weeks dedicated to partnering with local organizations and volunteering in the Vancouver community.

There were 142 UBC Sauder participants that donated 322 hours of time across 12 organizations.

All the volunteer opportunities encompassed four main themes: sustainability, mental health, food insecurity, and education. It was important for the planning committee to ensure that each volunteer opportunity not only addressed these issues but also provided meaningful engagement for volunteers and tangible benefits for the community. “We wanted each initiative to align with these themes and to leave a lasting impression,” said Abeer Amir from the planning committee. Their goal was to inspire ongoing commitment to these social issues within the UBC Sauder community and to partner with impactful organizations, fostering a legacy of positive change from their collective actions.
 

Supporting children and youth through mentoring programs

The B2Gold Big Brothers Golf Classic is a charitable golf tournament helping support 1,000 children and youth through mentoring programs in the community as a part of Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. They have seven prevention-based programs that support children and youth in the community every year in British Columbia. 

Amaan Panchbhai, the event lead for the shift, describes his time at the B2Golf Tournament as both rewarding and enjoyable. He supported the event by training guests, arranging the golf course, setting up booths and more. Praising the warm atmosphere and organization, he noted the kindness of everyone involved, calling it his "best volunteering experience."

The day emphasized the joy of giving back and the importance of community involvement. Amaan appreciated being treated as an equal part of this inclusive event and expressed a desire to continue his involvement with the organization, finding the experience deeply fulfilling.
 

A bake sale to support residents of the Downtown Eastside

To celebrate the success of the program's first half, UBC Sauder Gives Back hosted a bake sale, and UBC Sauder students were invited to contribute baked goods. The proceeds from the sale were donated to The Dugout, a community space for residents of the Downtown Eastside, to provide meals, social support, and a sense of belonging to members.

Alex Delcorro, a fourth-year student specializing in Accounting and Finance who volunteered at the midweek celebration, shared her experience: “Volunteering for Sauder Gives Back was particularly meaningful because it highlighted that even small contributions can collectively have a significant impact.” 
 

Making a Lasting Impact: Reflections on Giving Back

UBC Sauder Gives Back embodies the spirit of community and the impact that collective action can have. UBC Sauder students have demonstrated that their impact extends beyond the classroom and into the community, fostering an environment where business skills and social responsibility go hand in hand. The heart of this initiative lies in the hands of the volunteers whose efforts contributed to the success of this year’s program. 

Kim Kavlekar, another member of the planning committee, shares her experience: “UBC Sauder Gives Back was a truly impactful experience. It was great to see the UBC Sauder community come together to make a difference. I believe in using business as a force for social good, and this experience bridged the gap between the two for many students. As the Chair of Commerce Community, I will be sure to continue the mission of UBC Sauder Gives Back with monthly volunteering initiatives for students to stay involved in the community hands-on.”

Celebrating all those who participated in UBC Sauder Gives Back, who have fostered a spirit of community and a commitment to making a difference, including the planning committee: Abeer Amir, Visha Thamboo, Alia Xu, Kim Kavlekar and Victoria Sin.

Learn more about UBC Sauder Gives Back here.