Volunteer spotlight: Erin Stafford (BSc'08)
Author: UNB Alumni
Posted on Apr 17, 2023
Category: Inspiring Stories , UNB Fredericton
A dedicated and longtime volunteer at UNB and in her community, alum Erin Stafford (BSc'08) enjoys giving back her time as an Associated Alumni councillor, connecting with alumni as a volunteer at chapter events in her province, and supporting incoming and current UNB students. In honour of National Volunteer Week, Erin reflects on her time at UNB and why volunteering is important to her.
What are some of your fondest memories from your time at UNB?
Spending time at the Science Library studying with friends, lots of fun living in Lady Dunn, and Friday afternoons at the SClub.
As an alum you have volunteered your time at UNB in various capacities. Why is it important for you to give back your time and talent?
My time at UNB was truly such a formative time in my life and is thanks in large part to the people who came before me and sought to make a difference.
Why did you decide to join the UNB Associated Alumni council?
Having been involved with the UNB student send offs and attending the local alumni events, it seemed like a no-brainer when I was asked if I’d be interested in being a part of council. To be able to give back directly to the alumni and current student communities is incredible!
Do you volunteer for any other organizations in your local community?
My husband and I are very fortunate to be able to work with Uxbridge Cares to provide direct assistance to children and families in need in the community. Uxbridge Cares works in tandem with the local food bank and schools to identify students who are under served in the community and helps support them through out the school year.
Towards the end of summer, we learn about any kids in the community - anonymously, just age, grade, and gender - who might need some help rounding out their school supplies. I miss back to school shopping so this is a LOT of fun for me!
We’ve been a part of the Christmas campaign for the last 6 years and were able to adopt a family for Christmas 2021 and Christmas 2022. This past Christmas was especially meaningful because it was the first one with our son, and knowing we were able to bring some Christmas magic to a family who needed it was the best feeling ever.
What makes you #ProudlyUNB?
Being a part of the UNB alumni family is just a source of non-stop pride for me. Whether it’s learning about the phenomenal difference my fellow alum are making across the globe, the incredible things the current student body is doing, or the absolute LEGACY the Reds hockey teams have built, I’m always so #ProudlyUNB.