For 50 years, Bona Buddies has been a staple of the St. Bonaventure University community. 

Since forming in 1975, the youth mentoring program has grown to be the largest of its kind in Cattaraugus County. 

To help raise money and awareness for Bona Buddies and other service programs, SBU’s Franciscan Center for Social Concern (FCSC) is hosting #GivingTuesdayatBonas, a one-day fundraising event, on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Bona Buddies provides young people between 5 and 15 years old with the opportunity to visit campus and spend time with student mentors from Bonaventure. 

“Bona Buddies was one of the reasons I chose St. Bonaventure,” said Nathan Harpster, a senior Inclusive Childhood Education major. “As an Education major, having the opportunity to be around kids in an informal setting was something that drew me to the program. It’s also the reason I continue to serve.”

The children come to campus once a week for two hours. In the first hour, they have dedicated reading before spending time playing games, drawing or choosing another activity with their mentor. 

Alice Miller Nation, director of University Ministries, said they confer with educators in local schools to discuss what activities would be the most beneficial for the students, such as the designated reading time.

In the second hour, Bonaventure clubs are invited to come in and lead an activity. Step team, power yoga, the club volleyball team and The BonaVenture student newspaper are just a few of the many clubs that have visited Bona Buddies, allowing the children to experience a wide variety of activities and interests.

The program is led by a team of student coordinators who organize the weekly meetings. 

“My role as a Bona Buddies coordinator has allowed me to contribute to something larger than myself,” said Paris Christie, a senior Psychology major. “Being part of a program that not only celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, but also continues to make a tangible impact in our community has been truly inspiring.”

Harpster said being a part of Bona Buddies also allows the Bonaventure students to take a break from college life.

“Bona Buddies is an amazing service opportunity for Bonaventure students,” said Harpster. “How many other service opportunities allow you to be a kid again?”

The community is encouraged to visit https://bonniesgive.sbu.edu/giving-tuesday-at-bonas to learn more about all of the programs in the FCSC and to make a donation.

For more information or to make a gift by phone, contact SBU’s Advancement Services at (716) 375-2364.

______________

About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).