USask Giving Day to drive support for key campaign pillars

As the newly elected president of the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU), Chavda is proud to support and represent various student interests. He can also attest to the impact receiving a donor-funded bursary had on the trajectory of his educational journey. 

“It came at a crucial point in my university career when I was contemplating whether I could continue with my studies or not,” he said. “Thanks to the generous support of those donors, I was able to continue.” 

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will host Giving Day, a one-day event to celebrate philanthropy and raise funds for the four pillars of its Be What the World Needs campaign, set to wrap up in the spring of 2025.  

Each Giving Day donation made toward leading critical research, designing visionary spaces, supporting Indigenous achievement, and inspiring student success will move USask one step closer to reaching its campaign goal.   

“Giving Day is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the collective impact our USask community can have. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help take us across the campaign finish line and advance our mission to be the university the world needs,” said Peter Stoicheff, USask president and vice-chancellor.  

Gifts made on Giving Day will have the opportunity to be matched thanks to the generosity of several donors including Scott and Grit McCreath, Greg and Rae Smith, Cheryl Hamelin, and the Engineering Advancement Trust (EAT). 

Chavda, along with USask students, faculty and leaders, will be part of the live Giving Day broadcast on CKOM and C95 on Sept. 10, speaking about the impact donor support has had on their work and lives. The fourth-year computer engineering student is proud to serve as an ambassador for Giving Day this year and hopes to use his voice to leave a positive impact on USask. 

“If I can make a one per cent difference in any student’s life, I will consider my term as president to be successful,” he said. 

Chavda emphasized that USask students are extremely grateful for donor support toward any of the four campaign pillars. 

“Whichever area you give to, whether it be a scholarship, a student lounge, or more inclusive spaces—your gift will directly benefit the student experience.” 

Chavda also noted that those considering making a gift on Giving Day or to the Be What the World Needs campaign in general, should know that to be a donor is to create a legacy. 

“Donor support can often be the motivation students need to continue, or the validation that their efforts are being recognized by someone,” he said.  

“It takes just one gift to change a life.” 

Visit  https://give.usask.ca/connect/giving-day.php to learn more about the priorities you can support and to make your Giving Day donation on Sept. 10.