uOttawa News

OTTAWA, January 16, 2013  —  The University of Ottawa is proud to announce the official launch of its Aeroplan Charitable Pooling Program campaign: Make Your Miles Count! The campaign, led by the university’s Centre for Global and Community Engagement (CGCE), aims to collect Aeroplan miles to help send students to areas around the world where they can participate in meaningful community service.

The mandate of CGCE is to facilitate and assist students to engage locally, nationally and internationally. Many partnerships have been established and students are ready and eager to pursue volunteer work. In 2012, approximately 20 students travelled abroad to volunteer. This year, the hope is that over 75 students will have that opportunity. However, a major challenge for students is the cost of travelling to the communities that need them. The Aeroplan program gives community members the opportunity to donate their unused Aeroplan miles to help cover students’ travel costs. 

"In Costa Rica, I visited an orphanage, helped with physical therapy, taught English, made meals, and bought supplies such as food and clothing for school. [My experience] put the value back into family, friends, people, not cellphones, computers or Facebook. An experience abroad is more than a plane ticket—it's a blessing in disguise," said Ena Lucia Mariaca, a second year history and political science student.

 “I have been fortunate to live and work abroad. Now, thanks to the Aeroplan Charitable program, I am thrilled to see that uOttawa students can benefit from a similar opportunity.  My time abroad was such a great learning experience. I had no hesitation in giving the balance of my Aeroplan miles to this campaign,” said Stéphane Cardinal, director of the Centre for Global and Community Engagement.

For more information on the Aeroplan Charitable Pooling Program or to donate your miles, please visit the CGCE website or the CGCE’s Aeroplan page.

The University of Ottawa Centre for Global and Community Engagement promotes lifelong commitment to community engagement and social responsibility among all members of the uOttawa community. By integrating academics with meaningful volunteer service and community partnerships, the Centre supports students, faculty, staff and alumni while contributing to stronger communities, positive social change and a more engaged university locally, nationally and internationally.

INFORMATION:

Néomie Duval
Media Relations Officer
University of Ottawa
Office: 613-562-5800 (2981)
Cell.: 613-863-7221
neomie.duval@uOttawa.ca

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