Prince George, B.C. – A recent Employee Challenge fundraising appeal  at the University of Northern British Columbia is being hailed as an example of the pride the university’s employees have in their institution and its students.

 

The one month fundraising appeal to faculty and staff was issued to raise the profile of employee giving and highlight the role the donations play in the success of UNBC. During November, the number of faculty and staff who donated rose from 11 to 16 percent, exceeding the Challenge’s 15 percent target. The Challenge was led by a volunteer committee made up of UNBC faculty and staff.

 

“I am deeply grateful to the faculty and staff who contribute to the University. On November 1, some of those leaders challenged themselves and their fellow members of the UNBC community to increase the number of individuals who give to UNBC. It was a great success," says UNBC President George Iwama. “I have been touched and impressed by the spirit and optimism behind each commitment. UNBC will benefit from their contributions for many years to come.”

 

The number of employee donors went from 91 to 129 out of the University’s 807 employees. “I’ve been giving to UNBC for years now supporting scholarships and bursaries,” says UNBC Registration Officer Jo-Anne Woods. “I give to UNBC because I want to see this University and our region succeed."

During the 2010-2011 fiscal year, UNBC raised about $1,500,000 in pledges and gifts. Each year, about 900 donors – individuals, businesses, corporations, associations, foundations, and communities – contribute to the University. Funds collected go towards initiatives such as the Area of Greatest Need, Canada’s Green University Fund, UNBC Athletics and student scholarships and bursaries.