President’s Student Relief Fund

Impact

THE PRESIDENT’S STUDENT RELIEF FUND

President’s Student Relief Fund provides emergency support for MSVU students impacted by the pandemic

The 2020-2021 academic year was unlike any experienced before. MSVU students have faced, and continue to face, urgent financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The President’s Student Relief Fund was launched by past President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mary Bluechardt in April 2020 to provide emergency support to MSVU students – assisting them with access to housing, food and mental health services, and providing longer-term support through the establishment of bursaries.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the President’s Student Relief Fund has raised over $200,000 and made a difference in the lives of over 300 MSVU students facing unprecedented financial challenges. Through the fund, MSVU has been able to provide laptops and other technology to students unable to access online classes, offer urgent financial support for alternate childcare for single parents, provide food support for working students whose part-time jobs were affected, and assist with housing and travel expenses for students who needed to relocate or unexpectedly return home. Since launching the fund, we have received donations from almost 350 donors. The Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association, MSVU Faculty Association, TD Insurance and Holloway Investments Inc. made founding gifts, as did all 20 members of the MSVU management forum (representing all university directors, AVPs, VPs and President). A big and sincere thank you to every donor who made a gift to the President’s Student Relief Fund!

Throughout the pandemic, we have continuously worked to identify and respond to students’ needs quickly, and the President’s Student Relief Fund will remain a crucial source of support as we continue to pave our way forward. For more information please visit www.msvu.ca/donate.