University of Victoria (UVic) students are coming together to give back this year.
The university’s annual Giving Tuesday celebration not only echoed the spirit of giving but also brought students together for the festivities, which included a life-size game of Monopoly, a friendship bracelet station, campfires and refreshments. The event put the power in students' hands by giving them the opportunity to decide where the university would direct their donations.
“They always do a little something, but this is [an event that] actually brings people together,” said Megan Rose, a UVic student sitting by the fire pits set up for the event.
“When I first sat down here, there were a couple of people. We chatted a little so this sort of thing I think really is community building, as well as giving back.”
Each year the university typically sees 800 to 1,100 students participate in their Giving Tuesday festivities, a number they expected to see again this year.
“I think we're in really good stead to have more [people],” said Cortney Baldwin, the events project lead.
“We have a lineup for some activities, and we’ve had the friendship bracelet station full the entire time.”
By participating in Giving Tuesday activities like the philanthropy game, a life-sized take on Monopoly, students could earn a “Sprinkle Buck.” Sprinkle Bucks represent actual money UVic has received from donors. After receiving their Sprinkle Bucks, students could choose from a variety of causes to direct their donations.
“It's great because we show them the power of giving back without asking them for money,” said Baldwin.
Of the 26 initiatives funded by UVic, four are highlighted as priority funds for student health and wellness, a focus of the event. This year, the four priority funds are the Student Food Bank, the Student Wellness Centre, ITOTELNEWTEL LTE: Learning From One Another (Elder Engagement), and Pathways to Education.
The impact of some of these funds has even inspired some students to get involved.
“In my first year, I needed to rely entirely on the food bank, and I was very grateful to have such amazing support,” said Ana Galicia, an international student from Mexico.
“After that, I was very grateful. I needed to give back and that's what I've been doing ever since.”
So far, the reaction from students has been very positive “I think it's great,” said UVic student Joanna Robinson-Elith.
“I answered a little pop quiz and was able to donate some money to one of the clubs that I'm a part of and I got a cookie in return.”
By 1 p.m. on Dec. 3 the university had raised $120,916 from 394 donors and unlocked $23,995 in committed funds, bringing their all-time Giving Tuesday fundraising total to over $1 million since 2016.
You can read more about UVic’s Giving Tuesday and find its updated fundraising totals on its website.
