Giving Day 2026: A gift of well-being

When Abtin Safaeian and his family arrived in Canada seven years ago, they were starting over. 

“We started from zero,” said Safaeian, who now serves as president of the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU). “We rented a small basement, my dad worked 12 hours every day just to put food on the table, and unfortunately there was no way to support tuition.” 

So Safaeian also began working long hours at his Tim Hortons job so that he could afford to make his dream of attending university a reality. He chose USask because of its reputation for research, particularly in the sciences, and because it is one of Canada’s U15 research-intensive universities.

Today, he is a fourth-year neuroscience student with a minor in linear mathematics and president of the USSU. But Safaeian isn't sure he would be in his current position if it wasn’t for donor support. 

“In my third year, I received the Douglas E. and Margaret W. Cuddington Scholarship from the College of Arts and Science worth $5,000,” he said, adding that the amount of relief he felt after hearing that news was overwhelming. He could also sleep better, eat better, and had more time to focus on his future and studies. 

“It wasn’t just a financial gift; it was a gift of well-being.” 

Safaeian said his story is not unique and as president of the USSU he not only has a deep understanding of the financial pressures that follow students around every day, but an appreciation for the kind of life-changing support donors can provide students on Giving Day.

“The ability to pay for tuition and other expenses can be a constant, quiet fear that follows students into the classroom, the library, and into bed at night, he said. So many students are very close to dropping out due to financial pressures, and potential donors need to know that their gift could be the difference between a student no longer attending university and a student becoming the next doctor.” 

He added that donations to emergency funds are also important as they support students at their lowest point. 

“It's the best thing anyone can do, and it can truly change a person's life.” 

After completing his degree, Safaeian hopes to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and eventually start a company developing next-generation brain-computer technologies that could help people experiencing paralysis. 

He also hopes to follow the example of the donors who helped him. 

“It's well documented that many scholarship recipients choose to give back when they are in a position to do so, he said. That's how I feel as well. The support I received through scholarships has made a meaningful impact on my journey, and I hope to give back through Giving Day in the future.” 

And, as Safaeian's experience demonstrates, every gift matters. 

 “Whether it helps provide a meal, purchase a textbook, or gives a student peace of mind to focus on their studies, every gift can play a role in helping students succeed.” 

Visit give.usask.ca to make your gift on Giving Day and double your impact. Each gift to USask made on Sept. 9 will be matched up to $1,000 per gift while matching funds last.