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 seeing students showing up ill-equipped to do stream surveys or trek around in the wet brush. Students showed up wearing jeans and runners instead of waterproof gear that would keep them safe, warm and dry.
"In many cases, this is happening because a lot of this equipment is so expensive and they don't have the means to buy it, especially the first-year students," said RMAP Technician Mike Lester.
The department worked with the VIU Foundation to create an equipment closet filled with items such as waders, steel-toed boots and waterproof pants and jackets. Students can check the items out of the library just like they would a book for any field day activities, relieving them of the burden of having to purchase this costly gear for themselves.
"If it's either this or a textbook, they can now choose to buy the textbook and sign out the gear they need," said Lester.
Mike Lester showcases some of the items available for students to borrow in the new gear closet. Photo credit: Vancouver Island University
The gear closet was made possible by the VIU Access Fund, a special-purpose fund that provides students with financial support and access to specialized equipment so they don't have to choose between paying bills and attending school. Other initiatives the fund has supported this year include the library's laptop loan program, a bi-weekly shuttle that takes students living in residence to low-cost grocery stores and the career closet (opening in the spring), which provides students with professional clothing to wear to job interviews.
This Giving Tuesday (December 3), the VIU Foundation is focusing on raising money for the Access Fund. Giving Tuesday is a global movement to encourage people to support worthwhile meaningful causes during a season that features holiday sales and consumerism.
"With Giving Tuesday, we want to help our students achieve their dreams and make their educational journeys a little easier," said Dr. Deborah Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor. "Your donation - no matter the value - has a huge impact not only on removing financial barriers and creating a pathway to access education, but it also encourages students to continue in their studies, knowing someone in the community is supporting them."
A new initiative supported through the generosity of the community is an online auction. To browse items, visit the VIU Giving Tuesday online auction homepage. To amplify the impact donors have, the VIU Foundation is also offering matching donations to help make your donation go farther. One hundred per cent of all donations go to the chosen fund and directly to support students.
Gifts can be made online by credit card on the VIU Giving Tuesday homepage. Or, simply call or email Andrea Tolentino at 236-628-2089 or Andrea.Tolentinoa@viu.ca
