VIU Giving Tuesday campaign raises funds for students in need

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 as part of this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign. The initiative provides meals to students in need on a temporary basis through VIU’s cafeterias, as well as resources and support for students struggling with food security.

“In any given year, going to school and paying the bills at the same time can be a challenge for students, but this year is extra hard for some due to inflation and the rapidly rising cost of housing,” said Richard Horbachewski, VIU Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the VIU Foundation. “A hundred per cent of every donation – no matter how big or how small – counts and will have a lasting impact in the life of a student.”

Giving Tuesday is a global movement to encourage people to support worthwhile meaningful causes during a season that features holiday sales and consumerism. This year, VIU’s Giving Tuesday campaign runs from November 15 to 29, 2022. In addition to the Give a Meal program, the VIU Foundation will highlight the emergency bursary fund, which can quickly assist students in financial distress who are at risk of having to pause their studies.

Slava Govorov, a VIU Business Administration alum and owner of the South Nanaimo Panago location, is a long-time supporter of VIU student awards and the Mariners athletic teams. He provided the seed donation to help jumpstart the Give a Meal program earlier this fall.

“One of my passions is being able to help as many people in the community of Nanaimo as possible,” he said. “As a VIU alum, I understand the pressures put on students, from academics to social and financial pressures. Thus, although in a small way, I wanted to help some of the students who are struggling by providing a meal and a chance to have one less worry for that moment in time. I encourage all business owners in Nanaimo to step up and do what they can!”

As of November 15, through the generosity of the VIU Foundation and several donors, donations to the Giving Tuesday campaign will be eligible for a match.

Donors can also maximize the impact of their donation by taking advantage of a few different incentive initiatives. For example, the very first person to donate starting at 12 am on November 29, as well as the very last person to donate on November 29, will receive an additional $1,000 to put towards their campaign of choice. Additionally, the first alum to donate at 9 am on November 29 will be awarded an additional $1,000 to their chosen campaign.

Gifts can be made online by credit card on VIU Giving Tuesday.

-30-

Media Contact:

Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Manager, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews