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Many students around the country struggle with debt and funding shortfalls. That's why Stellenbosch University (SU) has set a fundraising target of R5 million for its annual Giving Day event, which takes place on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 October.
This is a collective effort involving students, faculties, staff, alumni, student communities (residences as well as commuters and private student wards) and the wider community to raise funds for bursaries, student meals, and student community initiatives in a bid to alleviate the burden of student debt at SU.
In addition to the many fundraising events taking place on campus, it is also possible to make an online donation at matiesgivingday.com.
This event forms part of SU’s ongoing efforts to support students in need, including those affected by recent changes to National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding conditions and those referred to as the "missing middle" as they do not qualify for NSFAS funding but still struggle to make ends meet. Contributions from various fundraising efforts on Giving Day will help alleviate some of the financial stress many SU students experience.
"There’s never been a more important time to support this event as SU students, like many others at tertiary institutions around the country, are affected by funding shortfalls," says Bridge the Gap Co-Ordinator (BTG) Viwe Benxa.
All proceeds will go directly to BTG, the University’s Annual Fund, faculties, and student communities. SU is raising funds for several initiatives under the BTG umbrella. These include: Action4Inclusion, Caught in the Middle, End Period Poverty, GradMe, #MatiesHaveDrive, Move4Food, Tygerberg Pantry Project and Zim4Zim.
A Matie-infused selection of on-campus activities will further boost Giving Day proceeds. Maties Giving Day reaches its crescendo with a grand celebration on the Rooiplein that will include a spin-a-thon, Zumba classes, a movie marathon in the Neelsie, music galore with DJ Mshayi and friends, and mini sporting activities such as athletics, cricket, soccer, rugby, golf, hockey, netball and rowing.
The fact that the fundraising drive is also available online makes it possible for alumni, parents, staff, and friends from all over the world to come together to contribute and celebrate what they care about at SU.
View a video about the 2023 Giving Day here and see how you can get involved.
For more information about Bridge the Gap, visit their website.
This post and content is sponsored, written and produced by Stellenbosch University.
