VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $480,000 for students in need

Community rallies around campaign focused on removing barriers for students. 

Thanks to the generosity of a record-breaking number of community donors, more Vancouver Island University (VIU) students in financial need will be able to focus on their studies rather than on meeting basic needs. 

The university’s 12th annual Giving Tuesday campaign wrapped up on Tuesday, December 2, raising $339,000 in donations. With matching funds, the total amount raised is $481,000. This year’s campaign focused on the VIU Access Fund, which provides financial support to students facing barriers to completing their education and funds initiatives that address basic needs such as food security and equipment to complete assignments or field work. 

“Thank you to all our donors for believing in – and investing in – our students,” said Dr. Dennis Johnson, VIU Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “As the cost of living continues to rise, your generosity helps ensure students not only start their education, but are able to stay, succeed and complete their studies. Every donation, big or small, directly supports a student’s ability to focus on learning and reach their goals. Together, we’re creating opportunities that allow students to thrive, and ultimately give back to their communities.” 

The Access Fund has supported various initiatives this year including the Career Closet, the Cowichan Food Pantry, the Gear Closet and the Laptop Loan Program. The Career Closet, which just opened this fall, provides gently used professional clothing and personal care items to students doing job interviews.

“I see students coming in and you just see their confidence grow when they put on that suit jacket or those pants,” said Peggy Janssens, Career Closet Coordinator and a second-year Master of Business Administration student. “We hope that giving them that extra small piece of the puzzle completes everything and gets them as ready as possible.”

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people to support causes meaningful to them during a season that often emphasizes holiday sales and consumerism. To learn more about Giving Tuesday at VIU, visit the VIU Foundation’s Giving Tuesday homepage. 

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Media Contact:

Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Manager, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca | W: VIU News 

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.