The global McGill community once again showed its big heart on McGill24, the University’s annual day of giving, by raising a record $4.4 million from 7,310 gifts.
The fundraiser on March 15 raised valuable funds in support of causes across the University, from student awards and life-changing research to student-run community outreach efforts, as well as support for individual faculties and schools and athletics teams.
With the tagline “Give rise to change”, this year’s edition of McGill24 focused on the idea of giving through McGill to support students and researchers who are bringing their talents, expertise and innovations to local, national and international communities to build a better tomorrow.
“It’s nothing short of awe-inspiring to see how the global McGill community rallies around our students, researchers and student-athletes,” says Marc Weinstein, Vice-Principal of McGill University Advancement. “This tremendous support from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University enhances the student experience at McGill and strengthens our world-class research efforts.
“We are so grateful to have such a loyal and supportive McGill community that is committed to helping nurture the next generation of learners, leaders and trailblazers,” adds Weinstein.
McGill24 includes fundraising projects by student teams as well as faculty initiatives through McGill Crowdfunding, the University’s crowdfunding platform. This year, a record number of initiatives – 102 – sought support, which was comprised of 82 projects along with individual fundraising efforts for McGill24 and senior class gifts. Among the initiatives: the creation of new student bursaries, efforts by Dentistry students in support of dental education and free community dental care, support for Engineering student design teams and science education outreach, and fundraising projects by varsity teams to help defray travel costs and enhance training.
The giving day fundraiser gave supporters additional incentives to give, thanks to donor-contributed challenge and matching funds that were released when specific donation targets were met.
McGill24 unfolds mainly online and through social media. This year’s edition also saw a full-scale return to in-person activities and alumni gatherings around the globe, from Sydney, Australia (where a taste of Montreal was in the offing with free poutine) to Paris, London, Dubai, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and many places in between.
In Montreal, members of the campus community enjoyed midday treats in the warmth of a March day’s sunshine and each other’s company, while McGill Young Alumni gathered for a celebration near campus. The Library’s ROAAr (Rare & Special Collections, Osler, Arts, Archives) may have left many attendees dreaming of dessert at its popular pie appreciation event in celebration of Pi Day. It featured bakers and panelists talking about their experiences adapting historical pie recipes from the McGill Rare Cookbook Collection.
All funds raised during McGill24 will also count towards Made by McGill: the Campaign for Our Third Century. McGill launched the multi-year, $2-billion fundraising drive to support the University’s bold ambitions as it embarks on its third century.
Visit the McGill24 website for more about this year’s campaign achievements from faculty challenges to student crowdfunding initiatives.