Giving Tuesday Now celebrates global day of giving

May 5, 2020 is Giving Tuesday Now, a global day of giving and unity that will take place as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The day is designed to drive an abundance of generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and non-profits around the world. 

King’s will come together virtually to thank those who have donated to the Student Emergency Fund and try to build the fund so that more students can access it.

Many King's students are struggling to cope with the financial implications of the COVID-19 crisis.  Even though the government has recently announced additional financial support for students, the need is great, and many students are ineligible for this support. Students have shared that they've found themselves out of work and unable to pay bills; their part-time and summer jobs are no longer available; and their parents, family or personal budgets are no longer able to cover their rent, daily expenses or school costs.

International students are faced with the added uncertainty of when they will be able to go home, how they will get there, and how they will pay for living expenses in the meantime. They also have the additional stress of being far from loved ones at a time when families and friends need each other the most.

The King’s Student Emergency Fund provides financial assistance with:

• food purchases and other essential costs for financially disadvantaged students
• housing challenges for those stranded far from home and loved ones due to border closures
• securing an internet connection at home
• other financial hardships that have presented themselves due to the health crisis

As of April 30, over $80,000 has been distributed to more than 300 students to help with food purchases, rent, online learning needs, and other essential costs. Every gift makes a difference, so we encourage the King’s community to continue to give. The King’s University College Students’ Council (KUCSC) has led the donations with a $40,000 gift. Our goal is to raise an additional $25,000 which will provide support for an additional 100 students.

To learn more about how you can support King’s students as part of Giving Tuesday Now, please visit https://www.kings.uwo.ca/alumni/support-kings/giving-tuesday/ or contact Kim Malcolm, Manager of Development at kim.malcolm@kings.uwo.ca.

Together we stand, Together we give, Together we help, Together we heal, Together we thank.