Stories of offering a hand up abound at Bona's
Cameron Hurst knows the power of a good story.
That’s why the St. Bonaventure University senior
journalism and music double major from Jamestown, N.Y., is eager to share the
stories of helping and healing found within the many programs of the Franciscan
Center for Social Concern (FCSC).
Hurst said he has been transformed by interviews with
alumni who have devoted a lifetime to service and by stories of Bona students who
have worked with orphans in Guatemala or tended food from farm to table.
“It’s really given me an appreciation of the programs at
Bona’s and how impactful they are,” he said. “Lives are being changed.”
Hurst pointed to the story of technology executive
Mark Schmitt, a 1984 Bona grad, who took a sabbatical from professional life in
2018 to explore the world and give back. “His story is really incredible. Among
other acts of service, he worked with the Red Cross in the Carolinas for
several weeks following Hurricane Florence,” he said.
Another anecdote that lingers with Hurst is how Cory
and Amanda Westbrook, owners of Chosen Grove Farm, in Canandaigua, N.Y.,
donated a “Bona Batch” of pasture-raised chickens for the Warming House, the
university’s student-run soup kitchen.
“Amanda
graduated from Bona’s and worked as a volunteer at the Warming House. They felt
donating the ‘Bona Batch’ would be a creative way of giving back,” he said.
Hurst covered these stories and others for the latest
issues of the Warming House and FCSC newsletters.
“Through volunteer work with the center’s programs, students
and alumni realize the remarkable gift of giving,” he said. “And the people receiving
a hand up experience hope and fellowship.”
Hurst works with the FCSC as a development associate. When
he was 16, with no high school newspaper available, Hurst shadowed a mentor at
Jamestown’s Post-Journal, hungry to learn journalism. By 17 he became a
stringer with the newspaper and an award-winning sports blogger. Today he’s
happy to put his skills to work for the FCSC.
“I can use my ability to write to help effect change,”
Hurst said.
Alice Miller Nation, FCSC director, has enjoyed having Hurst
as an associate this semester as the center prepares for its second annual
#GivingTuesdayatBonas fundraising initiative on December 3.
“Cameron came to us as a second semester
senior, eager to learn about the FCSC and its impact on both our students and
the greater Olean community. His positive attitude and hunger to more deeply
experience our mission as it impacts the lives of others has been delightful to
encounter each day,” Miller
Nation said. “He’s been a huge help as we hope to raise $40,000 for our social
justice, advocacy and service programs on campus."
The community is invited to visit
www.sbu.edu/GivingTuesdayatBonas to learn more and to donate.
For Hurst, working with the FCSC has been a turning
point.
“It’s given me insight on the importance of giving
back,” he said. “A donation gives those served a place to go and an experience
to hold onto. And for people like myself, it gives the opportunity to gain
skills in areas of interest like communications and have the experience of
working in a nonprofit.”