Insider December 2017 Fall Semester Wrap-Up T Fundraising he beginning of December marked the end to another fun and active semester of The Acadia S.M.I.L.E. Program. More participants and volunteers took part in the program than ever before during our Fall 2017 session, as approximately 275 participants and 450 volunteers attended S.M.I.L.E. on one of our 5 program days. We were so happy to see so many new and returning faces and have them come together, become friends and engage in all sorts of fun activities. Whether they were showing off their athletic skills to some of Acadia’s finest varsity and club athletes, navigating the Noggin’s Corn Maze, relaxing in the Snoezelen Room, taking part in an action packed game of soccer or successfully treading water for the first time, big smiles could be seen on all of our participants’ faces. Thank you to our incredible volunteers for making it all happen! A big thank you as well for the tremendous support that we have received this semester from both our Acadia University community and local community as a whole. S.M.I.L.E. could not operate without the financial support that fundraising initiatives such as ‘Axes in Action’, ‘The Clayground’s Spooktacular Night of Painting’, ‘Shoot, Score, S.M.I.L.E.’, ‘Team Heidi’ and ‘Giving Tuesday’ have provided us. We are greatly appreciative of all of the individuals and organizations that have provided their time, energy and know-how to these initiatives and of everyone who donated to them. Happy Holidays and we are looking forward to an exciting 2018! SMILE For S.M.I.L.E: Liam Russell I love my school. Over the past few years, it has become very clear to me that Acadia has fostered a caring and accepting community. My time with the S.M.I.L.E. program has reinforced this truth time and time again. This wonderful program allows extraordinary individuals to learn, develop, and most importantly, be themselves. I truly believe that this program, and the countless volunteers that make it a reality, set Acadia apart from other institutions. The sheer volume of student volunteers never ceases to amaze me. It demonstrates that Acadia students are invested in the community, and that they are committed to making a difference. I have had the privilege of working with the same participant for the past four years, and I can honestly say that we have grown together through this experience. S.M.I.L.E. is not a one-sided relationship; I am firm believer that the volunteers gain just as much as the participants. In short, my experience with S.M.I.L.E. has been irreplaceable, not only did I gain a friend, but I became a better person along the way. Page 2
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