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Service and kindness the focus of ‘workday’

250 Trinity Western University students descended on the local community during the 14th annual TWU Fall Workday.
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Trinity Western University students performed a work day in the community.

On Oct. 22, over 250 Trinity Western University students descended on the local community to clean windows, pick up garbage, rake leaves, and more during the 14th annual TWU Fall Workday. They included 16 TWU students (in the photo) who helped weed and clear the yard at the home of Langley residents, Dan and Jane Mason.

The Fall Workday gives students a tangible way opportunity to serve the community in which they live.

“We want to give back to our local community through practical acts of service and kindness,” said Chett Fitchett, TWU’s Fall Workday organizer.

Fitchett, who also coordinates local outreach teams at TWU, said the event is more about people than projects.

“We really want to serve churches, local agencies, and anyone who needs a helping hand.”

Langley residents, Dan and Jane Mason are among those who received a hand. The couple have found it difficult to maintain their half-acre property since Dan suffered a stroke and Jane experienced several injuries. Hearing their need, 16 enthusiastic TWU students showed up at their home to help weed and tidy up their yard in preparation for the winter months.

“We want to be able to stay in our house for as long as possible,” Jane said. “This helped us so much.”

And that’s what the event is all about.

“Our lives can easily become focused inward,” said Fitchett. “It’s important to look outward and encounter the life and story of someone else.”

The Masons’ impression of the students was that they truly wanted to serve. “They were a great bunch of young people,” said Jane. “We were honoured to have them helping us.”

In addition to the Fall Workday, Fitchett oversees a service team of 15 students who continue to serve weekly.

“An important part of the culture and mission of TWU,” he said, “is to ensure our students leave prepared—with ability and awareness—to serve our society well.”