We all know that volunteering is great for the community, for our own mental health and for our resumes, but sometimes the only barrier to getting involved is finding the time to go down to a local charity and signing up.

The Volunteer Fair, which takes place on October 24, makes it simple and easy for students to get informed about local volunteer opportunities, because local charities are coming to campus.

"The main goal of the entire volunteer fair is to encourage students to look into the organizations and have them possibly sign up," explained the Fanshawe Student Union's VP Internal, Tory Holmes. He has been organizing the event for weeks.

"(Volunteering) is a really rewarding experience, it really encourages them to step outside their comfort zone in terms of always getting paid for work and allows them to really enjoy activities that they otherwise would not be able to participate in," he said, giving the example of the United Way Fun Run. "Instead of having to run up the stairs, you can be the one organizing the event and directing people and meeting people."

Up to 25 local charities will be present at the Fair, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Canadian Blood Services, United Way and Children's Aid, so no matter what a student's interests or program of study, there will be something to suit their needs.

The Volunteer Fair takes place on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in F hallway outside the bookstore.