Friends and supporters of UFV helped raise more than $93,000 to help students whose lives have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many UFV students have been laid off from their part-time jobs or have seen their summer employment prospects disappear.

Giving Tuesday has traditionally been a day to encourage philanthropy that takes place the Tuesday after Black Friday in November. The idea is to encourage people to focus on giving instead of consumerism. In light of the enormous need generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Giving Tuesday movement decided to add a special #GivingTuesdayNow event on May 5.

As of May 14, UFV’s #GivingTuesdayNow campaign has brought in $93,653 to help students.

And giving continues after Giving Tuesday.

“In response to the incredible support by our community, Auguston Development and the Abbotsford Tech District stepped forward with a gift of $10,000,” noted Anita Nielsen, UFV’s Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations. “We continue to receive donations and we hope to hit $100,00 for this campaign.”

Two members of UFV’s Alumni Association board have issued a challenge to other alumni board members, offering to match any donations provided during the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign.

All donations from #GivingTuesdayNow will directly impact the lives of UFV students by helping to meet their needs by paying for essential living expenses, healthcare necessities, and resources to care for their families.

UFV employees have already boosted the push to shore up the student emergency fund through a special initiative that allows them to direct their parking fees to help UFV students. (The university is waiving the fees while most employees work from home due to the pandemic.) The university is also contributing to the Student Emergency Fund.

It’s not too late to support the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign. To empower UFV students to continue to strive towards reaching their personal, academic, and career goals in these challenging time, please donate here.

If you are UFV faculty or staff and wish to contribute your payroll parking fees to the Student Emergency Fund, please sign up here.