VIU Foundation

News Stories

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VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises almost $380,000 for students in need

December 6, 2024

VIU’s eleventh annual campaign focused on fund that removes barriers to education. Vancouver Island University (VIU) students in financial need will be able to focus on their studies rather than on meeting basic needs thanks to the generosity of the local community. The university’s eleventh annual Giving Tuesday campaign wrapped up on Tuesday, December 3. Thanks to the generosity of the... Read more


Mike with boots, waterproof jackets and waders laid out on a table

VIU Giving Tuesday campaign creates pathways for students in need

November 25, 2024

VIU’s eleventh annual campaign features an online auction and opportunities to have donations matched. ­­Students in Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Resource Management and Protection programs are following their passion for protecting the province’s environment and ecosystems. Learning how to do this work requires lots of hands-on practice in the field. In recent years, faculty began... Read more


Harpreet outside the Centre for Health and Science holding a sign that reads We love our donors!

Generosity of donors supports student success

April 24, 2024

The 2023 Giving in Action report shares stories of students who received awards. Last year, the Vancouver Island University (VIU) Foundation gave out more than 3,000 awards to students who needed a financial boost to continue their studies. The total value raised came out at more than $3.7 million and students across all programs benefitted. “It put me in a comfortable place, allowing me to focus... Read more


basket of vegetables

Embark Student Corp funds food security initiatives at VIU

March 13, 2024

The $400,000 gift will fund student-driven solutions, emergency financial aid and food banks on two of VIU’s campuses. An increasing number of students are being forced to choose between achieving their educational goals and basic living essentials due to the rising costs of living. A new initiative funded through the generosity of Embark, an education savings and planning company, aims to... Read more


Les Dickason wears a Nanaimo Museum shirt and leans on a car

Supporting the next generation of educators

February 26, 2024

Legacy donor Les Dickason shares his story When the opportunity to help set up a teacher education program at VIU (then Malaspina College) presented itself, Les Dickason left his job with the school district to be part of it. After his retirement in 1997, he established a bursary through the VIU Foundation. The fund has grown and now supports two students going into their second year of the... Read more


Three women smile, one holding a bunch of balloons, another holding a heart balloon near her face

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