Meet Amber, a dedicated full-time nursing student at Sask Polytech living an hour outside Saskatoon with her six-year-old daughter. Along with the hassle of sorting transportation when her car broke down, Amber was left recently with unexpected and expensive repairs.
Of course, things like this always seem to happen at the worst of times, and for Amber, this held true. Christmas was on the horizon. The fridge needed filling. As a single mother, Amber had always faced these challenges on her own, had always managed. No small feat for a single person, but she was succeeding at home and at school.
But that sudden and unanticipated repair bill threatened her ability to continue her education; threatened, in fact, her future career in nursing.
Pull back a moment, and consider how a not uncommon event – car trouble – could change the trajectory of two lives. Pull back further, and contemplate the potential ramifications outside that little family – the loss of a much-needed nurse who may have cared for you or a loved one in your time of need, at a time when our community struggles to fill nursing positions.
Focus again, now, on that six-year-old daughter, and consider the impact of her mom’s financial pressure, and what it could have meant for her had she seen her mother’s dreams slip away or having to skip dinner because there was nothing left in the fridge. Unfortunately, without emergency support, this could have been this family’s reality. Amber may have had to give up on her goal to do the meaningful and important work that would also ensure financial stability for herself and her child.
This isn’t an exaggeration, and Amber’s is, unfortunately, not the only story like this.
Without access to emergency funding, students have had to discontinue their studies; something almost unbearable to consider, and yet far too often, true.
Your support can make all the difference for students just like Amber. A lifeline when they need it, making certain that when things happen – and we know they do – students can continue with their education, thanks to the relief from the burden of unexpected financial pressure provided by folks in our community just like you.
We need you, our community. Student Emergency Fund applications are up this year by over 30 percent, and to date, 320 students from our Sask Polytech community have received financial support to cover unexpected expenses. As that fund is depleting, we ask for your support so we can continue to help the students in our community, students like Amber, who might one day care for you or your loved ones when you need it most.
You can be a part of this transformative movement and make a real difference. Let your heart guide you and show our students what our community can do!
- Consider a gift to the Student Emergency Fund. Every gift – no matter the size – will be matched dollar for dollar by up to $10,000, doubling the impact of your contribution!
- Like and share our messages on your social channels! Spread the word!
- Use the hashtags #GivingTuesday, #SaskPolytechCares, and #IHeartSaskPolytech to make a difference for our students and let them know we care.
Remember, it's not just about the money; it's about the impact you can have on real lives like those of Amber and her daughter. Giving Day gifts have the power to change the trajectory of a student's journey, turning challenges into opportunities.
Your support bridges the gap between vulnerability and success, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual student. We are grateful for your support and commitment to building our Sask Polytech community.