Each year, there are some students who can’t afford basic necessities that many take for granted, like healthy food or a safe place to live. Your gift to the Students Greatest Needs Fund provides the emergency financial assistance these students need to get back on their feet and focus on their goals.
When someone experiences domestic violence and decides to leave, there is upheaval — emotional, social, financial — that makes staying on track difficult. And being in school can complicate matters.
For navigating emergencies like this, the Students’ Greatest Needs Fund can help. The UCalgary program provides financial aid for those blindsided by exceptional circumstances such as job loss, family death, housing disruption or student-loan delay.
Necessities like healthy food and safe lodging can sometimes fall by the wayside when a student is in crisis, and the Students’ Greatest Needs Fund can fill the gaps. Available, for instance, are gift cards — up to $500 — for groceries.
Kelsey McWilliams, a residence support adviser with Student Wellness Services, recalls talking to a single mom who, after being abandoned by her partner, was left facing childcare costs. A grocery gift card, provided by the Students’ Greatest Needs Fund, allowed her to direct cash earmarked for food into child care and, ultimately, to stay in school.
“Like any of us, in a moment of crisis where you feel like you’ve lost all hope, if you’re able to get some kind of community support? It’s life altering.”
- Kelsey McWilliams, Resident Support Advisor, Student Wellness Services
