Robert Gordon University (RGU) is set to get on board with this year’s #GivingTuesday charity campaign to widen access to higher education.
It will be the second year that the university will join the global appeal, which is led in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) to harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organisations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide.
Through the RGU Foundation, the university’s philanthropic fundraising arm, RGU will be using the day on Tuesday, November 28, to help talented individuals from under-represented backgrounds achieve their ambitions through higher education.
Last year’s campaign was a huge success for the university, which surpassed its fundraising target, leading to the creation of several bursaries for talented students.
Marie Airth, a second year Architecture student was awarded one of the scholarships from last year’s #GivingTuesday fundraising efforts.
She said: “When I was told that I was being awarded a scholarship to study at RGU I could not believe that I was being offered such an amazing opportunity.
“As well as the financial support, the scholarship has provided mentoring, summer internships and a variety of workshops that have served to build self-confidence, my presentation skills and other qualities that will remain valuable to me throughout my life.
“It is a great feeling knowing that I will have this support throughout my time at university.”
The university is encouraging its community including alumni, staff, students and friends to get involved in this year’s campaign by making a donation of any size to continue to fund access bursaries and scholarships.
As an added incentive for the RGU community to make a difference, the Robertson Trust has committed to match every donation made to the university on the day.
RGU’s principal, professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, said: "Last year the generosity on #GivingTuesday was overwhelming. It was so pleasing to see the RGU community get behind the appeal and support our strategic aim to widen participation to higher education.
“The donations received last year have created opportunity and raised the aspirations of outstanding RGU students from diverse backgrounds.”
Last year #GivingTuesday broke a Guinness World Record for the most online donations in 24 hours, as people gave away $48m to good causes globally. The UK was the second biggest contributor to this amount.
RGU #GivingTuesday donations can be made online on Tuesday, November 28 at www.rgu.ac.uk/giving, by calling 01224 262039 or by
post to RGU Foundation, West Lodge, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB.