Collective generosity
Dalhousie with its alumni, donors and friends came together to provide urgent support for students during the pandemic.
It’s no question that the effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt all over the world—socially, economically, politically. University students are no exception, with many facing unprecedented challenges, including loss of employment, food and housing insecurity, and families to support.
For Lisa Long, a master’s student at Dalhousie’s School of Information Management, her family’s unique circumstances meant they had to be ready for COVID-19 long before it hit Nova Scotia.
“My husband is immunosuppressant, meaning his immune system is very low,” says Lisa. “It’s a big thing in our family, so we have to work hard to keep things under control.”
Originally from New Brunswick, Lisa, her husband, Matt and their three-year-old son, Owen currently live in Halifax. It was just two years ago that Matt—now a full-time Accounting student at Saint Mary’s University—required a kidney transplant.
Lisa Long with her husband, Matt, and son, Owen. (Submitted photo)
Before social distancing restrictions were in place, Lisa worked part-time as a massage therapist to support her family. Her husband had not been able to work since his transplant. Physical distancing restrictions meant she couldn’t work, and even if she could, Lisa says she wouldn’t put her family’s health at risk.
Without a source of income to pay bills and keep food on the table, Lisa quickly turned to Dal for help.
Being there for our community
In mid-March, when the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic began to hit close to home for Dalhousie and its students, the university responded by developing a short-term emergency financial support program over and above its existing financial aid programs.
Some of those who reached out to Dalhousie for help were students who, for health reasons, were required to leave residence early. Some were international students who needed to urgently travel home or could not return home due to travel restrictions, while some required technology to complete their studies.
Immediately, Dal began redirecting available funds to the COVID-19 emergency bursary and short-term loan programs to meet this need. Within just the first couple of weeks, Dal had fulfilled 400+ requests for funding, getting money into students’ pockets as quickly as possible.
“We have all been doing what we can to help our students in this unprecedented scenario — as an institution, and as community,” said President Deep Saini.
And it’s about more than just funding, as well. Dal’s team of advisors helped students identify external funding sources they might not be aware of, providing budgeting advice and many other sorts of one-on-one counsel.
“Students are facing a variety of challenges, including financial stress,” said Rebecca Koeller, associate director, student awards & financial aid. “As new federal and provincial assistance is being announced or changed regularly, it can be difficult for students to know what applies to them. We’re here to support them as they navigate the various supports available at Dalhousie, as well as in their communities, and through government programs.”
The outpouring of support extends beyond Dal’s walls as well.
“Many of our alumni, friends and partners reached out to ask how they can help our students during this trying time,” added Dr. Saini. “Their compassion and generosity are a testament to the strength of our community and of their commitment to our students.”
Generous support for Dal’s students
In response to these requests, Dalhousie launched a set of crowdfunding campaigns through its crowdfunding platform, projectDAL: a way for others to contribute to specific needs among Dal’s student community.
Since launching on April 1, more than 350 donors have generously given to the campaigns.
Through all this generosity, Dalhousie has been able to provide financial support to more than 1100 students and counting (as of mid-June), helping them manage unexpected hardships in this pandemic.
And Lisa was one of those students. She applied online for an emergency bursary for grad students and was immediately told about the new Student Emergency Relief Fund, one of Dal’s three COVID-19 student relief campaigns. “It was just enough to take our worries away,” says Lisa. “I can’t tell you the difference it made for us.”
The emergency funding from Dal came just as Lisa and her family learned about the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, a new funding program starting this month, announced by the Government of Canada on April 22. “We knew the help from Dal would hold us over until the benefit came into effect.”
To alumni, donors and friends of Dalhousie, Lisa wants to share that donating to this cause isn’t just about giving money. It’s about making a difference.
“Just like me, students are trying to climb a ladder, and they need a helping hand,” says Lisa. “They need food on the table, and a roof over their heads, so they can make it to that next step. That support means that as students, we can one day return the favour to society. It tells us that our worries were not just recognized but taken care of. For that, my family and I are forever grateful.”
How you can help: Fundraising continues to help students in need during this pandemic. Visit projectDAL.ca and learn how you can contribute. Every donation, no matter how large or small, makes a difference.
