TRU pushes to reach $50,000 goal in annual Day of Giving

Last year, TRU’s Day of Giving exceeded expectations, raising $81,000 over a 48-hour period. This year, organizers set a more ambitious goal—$50,000 in just 24 hours.

“Last year, our goal was $48,000 in 48 hours, and we raised $81,000. So we crushed our goal last year, which is really exciting,” Petruk says. “This year, we challenged ourselves even more with $50,000 in 24 hours—and we’re going to do it!”

While reaching the $50,000 target is the goal, TRU says the real impact comes from supporting students who rely on this funding to continue their education.

For Samantha Jo Haire, a fourth-year pre-med student, financial support from the university has allowed her to focus on her studies and get involved in extracurricular activities.

“This program has really taken the financial stress off my shoulders,” Jo Haire says. “It allowed me to participate in extracurricular activities and really enjoy my on-campus experience. I will always appreciate it.”

Without access to scholarships and bursaries, she says some students are forced to make difficult choices about their education.

“Some students aren’t able to continue their studies. They may have to drop out, change degrees, or move to different places with cheaper rent,” Jo Haire says. “The TRU Day of Giving helps students continue chasing their hopes and dreams.”

One of the unique aspects of TRU’s Day of Giving is that donors can direct their funds toward specific initiatives, such as scholarships, research programs, or athletics.

“As an alum, this is an amazing way for not only alumni but the community to get out and direct their funds more specifically to where they’d like to see it—whether it be equipment, athletics, or research,” Mackenzie Kanigan, TRU Foundation president says. “By getting to the website and donating whatever you can, you will help all students.”

Although most of the funds raised go toward student awards and scholarships, donors also have the option to contribute toward academic programs, new equipment and specific student initiatives.

To encourage donations, TRU has set up matching funds and challenge donations, which allow contributions to have a greater impact.

“For example, when 50 alumni donate, it unlocks a $5,000 donation from the TRU Alumni Office,” Petruk explains. “There are also challenges for first-time donors, where their contributions unlock additional funds from major donors. These matching funds make the event more fun and more impactful for students.”

With the 24-hour deadline quickly approaching, TRU is urging community members to step up and support students.

“The Day of Giving is a 24-hour period. It started at midnight, and for the next 12 hours, we’re really hoping people will donate,” Kanigan says. “We want as much traffic as possible to our donation site because anything helps. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.”

Donations can be made online, or by phone at 250-852-5264 until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27.

by Sydney Chisholm

TRU pushes to reach $50,000 goal in annual Day of Giving

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