Seven organisations are set to receive vital funds, with the University of Newcastle’s Gifting Day raising more than $230,000 through the support of 566 donors and ambassadors.
The second annual Gifting Day saw staff, students, alumni, and the community dig deep in a day filled with food, live music, activities and fundraising across the University’s Callaghan, NUspace and Central Coast campuses.
Vice-Chancello of the University of Newcastle, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO thanked the community for their generosity.
“As a University, we have a role to play in creating a better future for people in our regions and around the world,” Alex said.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed in any way they could.
“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 funds 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 students experiencing educational disadvantage.
“Many of our students 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 students, to help more disadvantaged students receive an education.”
More than $18,000 has also been raised 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.
Associate Professor, Tamara Blakemore, the project lead for Outreach for Women in the Hunter Experiencing Homelessness explained how the funds will 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.
“The support received will strengthen efforts to advocate for trauma-informed assertive outreach for women experiencing homelessness, so that women are supported where and when they need it, in ways that work.”
