VIU Foundation

News Stories

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VIU News & Experts: December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

What can COP28 realistically achieve? 🌍 We had a soul-filling week at VIU. The VIU Foundation's Giving Tuesday campaign raised more than $350,000 for students in need and engaged with a record number of new donors. We celebrated by giving students cookies, smiles and heart balloons. Every dollar raised goes to student scholarships, awards, bursaries and special education initiatives. Learn more.... Read more


Two students hold up signs saying thank you donor and we love our donors and stand in front of red heart balloons

VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $350,000 for students in need

November 30, 2023

The campaign engaged with a record number of new donors. ­­Vancouver Island University (VIU) students will have more access to scholarships, awards and bursaries following the university’s annual Giving Tuesday campaign. The campaign, which wrapped up on Tuesday, November 28, saw the community band together to support students, raising more than $350,000 for scholarships, bursaries, awards and... Read more


Sarah types on a laptop in a classroom

VIU Giving Tuesday campaign helps students reach for their dreams

November 14, 2023

University’s tenth annual campaign runs from November 14 to 28, 2023. When Vancouver Island University (VIU) student Sarah McClelland faced some unexpected living expenses last fall, she thought she would have to put her education on hold. The Bachelor of Education student went to the Financial Aid and Awards team to explore options. That’s when she learned about the VIU Access Fund, which... Read more


Woman holds roses standing next to two other women

VIU Media Highlights: December 7, 2022

December 7, 2022

The giving spirit, global learning opportunities & holiday events 🎄 As we enter the winter season, the spirit of giving is strong at VIU, as you can see by our top story below. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.  Top stories VIU Foundation's Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $500,000 Students at Vancouver Island University will have fewer financial worries this season... Read more


Student in grad cap hugs someone with words Giving Tuesday on side

VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $500,000 for students in need

December 7, 2022

Campaign ran from November 15 to 29, 2022, with gifts from donors, VIU employees and alumni, and community. Students at Vancouver Island University (VIU) will have fewer financial worries this season following a huge outpouring of support through the VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign. The campaign, which wrapped up on Tuesday, November 29, saw the community band together to support... Read more


Giving Tuesday postcard

VIU Giving Tuesday campaign raises funds for students in need

November 17, 2022

University’s ninth annual campaign runs from November 15 to 29, 2022. Access to quality, nutritious food is vital to academic success, but with inflation eroding students’ spending power, it is getting harder for some to meet this basic need. That’s why the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Foundation is raising money for Give a Meal, a new initiative launched by VIU’s Ancillary and Food Services... Read more


Three people standing in front of a VIU residence building

VIU hosts summer camps for Indigenous students

June 29, 2022

The camps are organized by the ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Indigenous mentorship program. A pair of free summer camps that aim to make the transition to university easier for Indigenous youth are returning to in-person delivery at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Nanaimo campus this summer. The Thuy’she’num Tu Smun’eem: Building a Foundation for our Youth summer camps take place July 18-22... Read more


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Paper Excellence and Vancouver Island University create Indigenous Success Fund

June 21, 2022

Paper Excellence has partnered with Vancouver Island University (VIU) to create the Paper Excellence Indigenous Success Fund. The new scholarship fund is offering financial support to Indigenous students enrolled in trades programs at VIU. Paper Excellence has contributed $60,000 to the fund, which will be distributed over three years. “On behalf of Paper Excellence, we are very excited to be... Read more


Linda Jack picture

Giving Tuesday at VIU Raises Funds for Students in Need

November 4, 2021

VIU’s eighth annual Giving Tuesday campaign runs from November 15 to November 30, 2021. Vancouver Island University (VIU) welcomes learners of all different ages and backgrounds. Sometimes learners need a little extra help to make their educational goals a reality, which is why the University has run a Giving Tuesday campaign for the past eight years. Giving Tuesday is a global movement to give... Read more


Image of kid holding books and an apple

VIU and Island School Districts Partner to Promote Education Savings Grants

June 14, 2021

Families are being encouraged to open a no-fee, no contribution required Registered Education Savings Plan to access federal and provincial grants. Vancouver Island, BC: Every year, Vancouver Island students miss out on millions of dollars in education savings grants from the provincial government because families don’t sign up to receive them. That’s why Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s)... Read more