The second annual University of Newcastle’s (UoN) Gifting Day has been hailed another outstanding success.
Staff, students, alumni and the community recently enjoyed food, music and activities across the Callaghan, NUspace and Central Coast campuses, while digging deep into their pockets to raise vital funds for several programs.
As a result of their big-heartedness, seven initiatives are set to benefit from more than $230,000.
A further $18,000 was garnered for the Paediatric Stream of the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research and $23,000 for Outreach for Women in the Hunter Experiencing Homelessness, too.
UoN Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO thanked everyone for their generosity.
“As a university, we have a role to play in creating a better future for those in our regions and around the world,” he said.
“Together, more than 566 people made an impact through donating or becoming a Gifting Day Ambassador, which is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the collective power of our community.
“The money raised will allow us to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care students to undertake a transformative leadership program and create an additional nine scholarships through the Shaping the Futures Scholarships to support youngsters experiencing educational disadvantage.
“Many of our pupils come from humble beginnings.
“We are passionate about removing barriers so that all students can access a university education, no matter their circumstances.
“A scholarship can go a long way in taking some of the financial pressure off them, to help more disadvantaged people receive an education.”
The project lead for Outreach for Women in the Hunter Experiencing Homelessness, Associate Professor Tamara Blakemore, also expressed her gratitude.
She explained how the Gifting Day funds would be utilised.
“The generosity of people contributing to this project is especially meaningful as the cost-of-living crisis impacts on us all, and especially those most vulnerable in our community,” she stated.
“The support received will strengthen efforts to advocate for trauma informed assertive outreach for women experiencing homelessness, so that they’re supported where and when they need it, in ways that work.”
Anyone wishing to donate can still do so by visiting https://giftingday.newcastle.edu.au/
For more community stories:
- Emily van Egmond: Inspiring a new generation
- Lake Mac’s annual History Illuminated sets sail
- Waratah Public School P&C vice-president Rachel Garner honoured
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