Trent University issued a challenge in celebration of GivingTuesday and in honour of Trent University’s milestone 50th anniversary – to raise $50,000 in 50 hours to support Trent students – and alumni, faculty, staff, students and supporters in the community and around the world answered with overwhelming support, raising $91,056 and exceeding the campaign goal by more than $40,000.
“On behalf of Trent University, I would like to thank everyone for participating in our “50 in 50” campaign and promoting GivingTuesday. We have been overwhelmed by your support,” said Julie Davis, vice president of External Relations and Advancement. “Funds raised through this campaign will provide direct support to students and will ensure that future generations of students are inspired to reach new heights and make their mark in the world.”
Funds from the campaign, which ran from 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30 until 5:00 p.m. on GivingTuesday December 2, will support athletics, student services, and financial support for undergraduate, graduate and international students. With participation from 92 per cent of Trent’s 50 Class Years, 265 gifts were made including donations from 132 new donors. An anonymous alumni donor generously matched all new gifts 2:1 and also provided a personal gift, helping the University exceed the ambitious goal. Donations came in from Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Switzerland, Malaysia, St. Martin, United Kingdom, and the United States.
The 50 hours of giving campaign was supported through social media on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, as well as through e-mail and telefundraising. Members of the Trent community were encouraged to wear their Trent green and share their “unselfies” (short cell phone videos talking about why they support Trent or a photo holding a sign stating why they support Trent) on social media throughout the 50 hours and on GivingTuesday in support of the initiative. To view the 50 in 50 thank you video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZYlscGRI7I
Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2014.