Generous graduates of the University of Aberdeen have dug deep and helped raise almost £60,000 for an ambitious fundraising campaign launched just days ago.
More than 300 former students have donated to the University’s COVID-19 525 Bursary Fund, which aims to raise £150,000 for students facing severe financial hardship as a result of the ongoing global pandemic.
Set up by the Development Trust to help care for and support students who are in greatest need, the campaign’s initial £100,000 target will be matched pound for pound up to £50,000, thanks to a generous legacy donation.
The good news comes as the University takes part in #GivingTuesdayNow, an international day of unity in response to Coronavirus, which encourages everyone to come together to recognise, celebrate and give thanks for the incredible outpouring of compassion we have witnessed during the current crisis.
People everywhere are being asked to share a message of thanks on social media, or a heart in their front window, as a sign or gratitude to all essential workers supporting their communities. Those who are in a position to give are being asked to make a donation to a charity or fund to help those affected.
Rob Donelson, Executive Director of Advancement, described the amount received in just four days as ‘incredible’.
He said:“We have an amazing and generous family at the University of Aberdeen, and we have been overwhelmed by the response we have received to the appeal. This is a very difficult time for so many people, and we appreciate their support now more than ever.
“With today being dedicated to the Coronavirus response - #GivingTuesdayNow - we are hopeful that our graduates, who are located all around the world, will continue to donate and support our current and future students. Every single donation is very much appreciated and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed.”
Funds raised from the campaign will be used to support students who have found themselves in the following circumstances:
- Those finding it harder to make ends meet as their part-time jobs have disappeared, yet they still have bills and rent to pay;
- Those who also rely on their family for support but may be gravely affected by loss of family income, including students undertaking important medical research;
- International students who find themselves confined to halls and unable to return home to their family;
- Those struggling to join online learning due to a lack of equipment or a poor internet connection;
- Students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may be unable to join in September without savings from summer jobs.
Please continue to help us by donating at www.abdn.ac.uk/covid19fund
#ABDNFamilyCares #AberDonors #525Covid19 #WeAreTogether #GivingTuesdayNow’
ENDS