Giving Tuesday

Description: The Paddling Forward project takes its inspiration from a meaningfully carved paddle, gifted to our tiwšɛmawtx^w campus. 

This project is about empowering our students by celebrating the rich diversity that defines our region and its residents. This project revitalizes our campus’ entrance and foyer, reinforcing our deep commitment to equity, access, inclusion and reconciliation. 

We want to communicate to all learners that they are not just welcome here; they belong here. 

As we approach our campus’ 50th anniversary in 2024, “tiwšɛmawtxw Welcomes You” embraces our role as the qathet region’s “House of Learning,” helping students navigate their educational journeys at VIU. 

Primary goal: To celebrate the diversity of our community by creating a welcoming space that visually showcases, honours and promotes inclusivity and access. We’re not just making our campus approachable and safer for all learners, we’re also giving the facility a much-needed update and enhancing the VIU brand in a positive, place-specific redesign.

Funding goal: Our goal is to raise $20,000 to complete the full redesign of the space. This project is divided into two phases:

• Phase I: Mural and aesthetic renewal ($12,000): This phase will include an original mural painted by a local artist on the west wall of the entryway, cosmetic upgrades to the front desk area and enhancements to the east wall opposite the mural. We're repositioning the paddle to make it more prominent and incorporating west coast wood elements symbolic of the region.
• Phase II: Flagpole and signage ($8,000): This extends Phase I by installing a flagpole outside the main entrance to display various flags celebrating collective identities, places and events. It also funds additional signage above the front desk and on the east wall, providing detailed information about the revitalization project, the paddle and the campus’ history and mandate.

Project impact: This project is a testament to the transformative power of diversity, access and inclusion:

• Student well-being and success: By revitalizing the campus entryway, we send a clear message that everyone is valued, respected and safe here. This visual affirmation of equity and inclusion has a profoundly positive impact on student well-being and success, as students who feel valued are more likely to achieve their educational goals.
• Community building: It unites students, alumni and the community, fostering a sense of belonging ahead of our 50th anniversary activities.

Go to our Giving Tuesday donation page to support this project today!

Description: Vancouver Island University is pioneering a new chapter by offering apprenticeship training for automotive glass technicians. Beginning in fall 2024, we’re here to serve the local glass repair operators and meet the needs of the motorized vehicle sector. Our goal is to equip our training facility with industry-standard glass replacement tools that will revolutionize the way apprentices learn the art of windshield removal, preparation and installation. 

Primary goal: Our mission is to ensure that every apprentice receives high-quality hands-on training, setting them on the path to deliver excellence for customers across Vancouver Island.

Funding goal: We’re aiming to raise $8,000 to kickstart this initiative. 

Your contributions will drive innovation by providing:

• ADAS calibrations machine: ($4,000 to $6,000)
• Windshield removal cut out tool kit: ($700 to $1,000 each)
• Robotic arm & gripper: ($1,800 to $2,000)
• Spider glass removal kit: ($500 to $600 each)

These cutting-edge tools, combined with support for program costs like windshields and urethane products, will equip our apprentices with the skills they need for success.

Project impact: This project is a game-changer for both students and the community:

• Students: Vancouver Island-based automotive glass technician apprentices will no longer have to travel to the Lower Mainland for training, saving them from heavy financial burdens and the hassle of living accommodations and transportation costs. It's a flexible, affordable and localized option that paves the way for a brighter future.
• Community: Smaller to mid-sized local businesses will experience fewer staffing issues and production losses. With accessible training options right here on the Island, they can invest in local talent and drive economic growth.

Go to our Giving Tuesday donation page to support this project today!

Description: This project aims to acquire a Monark 894 PEAK BIKE, the gold standard in cycle ergometers for measuring anaerobic power. This powerful tool will empower our Kinesiology program, offering students firsthand experience with state-of-the-art equipment in school. Beyond academia, it opens doors to offering professional exercise testing and performance analysis to local sports teams, providing a revenue source for the program and our institution. 

Primary goal: Our primary goal is to raise $20,000 to buy the bike, enabling us to enrich our students’ education and offer valuable fitness assessment services to our community.

Project impact: This project is not just about acquiring equipment; it’s about transforming the future of kinesiology and enriching our community:

• Student empowerment: The Monark 894 PEAK BIKE enables students to gain an in-depth understanding of anaerobic power, a crucial metric in sports and powerful, explosive movements. It allows them to learn from gold-standard measurements and testing procedures, equipping them with vital knowledge for their future careers.
• Community outreach: Combined with our existing Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) metabolic cart, this equipment opens doors to assessing local athletes’ anaerobic power and aerobic capacity. These assessments are integral for gauging performance or improvements. By offering these services locally, we create a convenient and cost-effective way for our community, sports organizations and clubs to benefit, eliminating the need to travel to larger cities like Vancouver or Victoria.

Here’s how your contributions will be used to make a lasting impact:

• $16,000 will buy the Monark 894 PEAK BIKE, ensuring our students have access to the finest equipment for hands-on learning.
• $4,000 will be dedicated to advertising, initial consumables and staffing (including a student) for test administration.
• Revenue generated from external testing will cover ongoing costs and any excess will support the program’s growth.

To contribute to the Exercise Testing and Performance Analysis project and be part of this transformative journey, please visit our Giving Tuesday donation page.

Description: Under the CBAIR umbrella, VIU students form partnerships with local community organizations, designing and executing research projects that boost the success of these organizations. This initiative brings together students from various departments, including Anthropology, Criminology, Management, Marketing, Media Studies and Sociology. Since its inception in 2014, CBAIR has been a hub for collaboration, knowledge and community impact. 

Primary goal: With a dual focus on providing meaningful education and leadership development for VIU students and delivering invaluable support to community organizations, CBAIR is set to change the game.

Funding goal: Our goal is to raise $20,000 to nurture this dynamic program. 

Your contributions will empower students and change communities through:

• Specialized training: The funds will support student education within the CBAIR program. Students will receive tailored training in research methods, project management, community engagement and presentation skills.

Project impact: This project is transformative for students and community organizations:

• Students as leaders: CBAIR is a training ground where students become skilled researchers, project managers and community leaders.
• Empowering organizations: Community organizations benefit from customized project plans collaboratively developed with the students. Some past successes include collaborations with Island Crisis Care Society of Nanaimo, Nanaimo Brain Injury Society, Haven Society, Loaves and Fishes Food Bank and Nanaimo Association for Community Living.

Ready to be a part of this transformative journey? Join us by visiting our Giving Tuesday donation page.

VIU Bird Banding Project

Description: For years, the VIU Bird Banding Project has been a hub of research and discovery, using bird banding to study wild bird populations. From launching the careers of ?students interested in the field of ornithology to public demonstrations, this project has been soaring high since 2013. 

Primary Goal: Our mission is threefold: to research and monitor bird populations, provide hands-on educational experiences for students, and to share the wonders of ornithology and conservation with the community.

Funding goal: We're looking to raise $7,500 to continue our journey. 

Here’s where your support takes us:

• $7,000: These funds will renew our equipment and supplies, including 20 new mist nets that help us capture and study these beautiful creatures.
• $3,000: This segment will support miscellaneous banding equipment, from net supports to electronic scales, making sure we have everything we need to make a difference in the world of ornithology.

Project impact: Our project has a remarkable impact, both on students and the community:

• For students: The VIU Bird Banding Project equips students with invaluable skills for careers in wildlife biology and graduate studies, giving them the wings they need to soar.
• Community engagement: We share ecological knowledge with community partners like the City of Nanaimo, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Trust of BC, enriching our local environment and knowledge pool.

Go to our Giving Tuesday donation page to support this project today!

Description: CLIP is a digital treasure trove, a sanctuary for the voices and artifacts of World Wars I and II. Imagine handwritten letters, cherished postcards, and awe-inspiring trench artwork, all brought back from the past to tell their stories.

Primary Goal: Our goal is to raise $20,000 to breathe life into these relics by funding a dedicated Collection Manager. They will be the guardian of these historical gems, ensuring they are preserved, shared, and cherished.

In this digital age, these stories are more than just ink on paper; they are a bridge to our past and an anchor for our future.

Project Funding: 

Funding Goal: $20,000 

Utilization: Your donations will directly support the Collection Manager who will orchestrate the enchanting dance of sorting, transcribing, scanning, and archiving these time-traveled keepsakes.

Project Impact: Picture a world where the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten, where children learn from their ancestors' experiences, and where history is not confined to dusty textbooks. By supporting the Canadian Letters and Images Project, you make this world a reality. Your contribution will:

• Open the doors to a treasury of memories, shared by soldiers, families, and loved ones.
• Illuminate the minds of students and ignite their curiosity about the significant events that have shaped our nation.
• Pass on the torch of remembrance to future generations, ensuring that the stories of courage and resilience are celebrated.

Support the Canadian Letters and Images Project and become a part of this living history, visit our VIU Giving Tuesday Donation Page.

Project overview: REConomics

Description: Outdoor recreation is more than just fun; it’s a powerful elixir for health and community well-being. This project aims to measure the impact of outdoor experiences on our individual and collective health. Can a hike in the woods reduce visits to primary care providers? Can a day of outdoor adventure be the best medicine? REConomics sets out to find these answers and redefine the economic impacts of health and well-being.

Primary goal: Our mission is to unlock the secrets of outdoor experiences and their potential to improve health and well-being while reducing the burden on the Canadian health-care system.

Funding goal: We aim to raise $20,000 to fund this incredible journey. Here’s a snapshot of where your contributions will take us:

• Personnel: Enlisting a team of experts to lead our expedition and navigate the data terrain.
• Materials and supplies: Equipping our team with the tools they need to uncover the hidden treasures of outdoor experiences.
• Travel: Fueling our researchers’ journeys to unlock the potential of outdoor recreation.
• Knowledge mobilization: Spreading the word about our findings far and wide, from publishing to social media campaigns.

Project impact: Our project creates a ripple of impact, affecting students and the community in profound ways:

• Student engagement: Students are integral to our research, from design to reporting. They will be actively involved in every aspect of this adventure.
• Community involvement: We’re joining hands with Island Health, Nanaimo Division of Family Practice, City of Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture and VIU Faculty of Management to share our findings and empower our community.
• Knowledge mobilization: A knowledge mobilization campaign, including a video and social media presence, will engage students and inform the community about our discoveries.

Go to our Giving Tuesday donation page to support this project today!

Description: This innovative initiative seeks to revolutionize dental education by introducing cutting-edge intraoral camera wands into our curriculum. These wands allow students to capture digital scans and images for treatment, a vital skill in today’s dental industry. 

Primary goal: We aim to raise funds to purchase nine complete systems, each to be used at an operatory equipped with a computer in our dental clinic. These systems will come with the necessary software and faculty training, preparing our students for the industry’s high standards.

Funding goal: While we do not have a final cost estimate, we anticipate it will require approximately $15,000 to acquire nine individual cameras with software, conduct faculty training workshops and set the stage for teaching.

Your donations will be instrumental in outfitting each operatory with these state-of-the-art camera wands, ensuring our students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Project impact: This project carries the potential to create a significant and lasting impact on our students and our community:

• Empowering students: With access to these cutting-edge tools, our students will not have to wait until they’re in the field to learn this crucial skill. They will graduate with a significant advantage, armed with the knowledge and confidence to excel in the dental industry.
• Industry standards: Equipping our students with the latest technology ensures they are prepared for the ever-evolving industry standards, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.
• Professional development: As our faculty learns to use these systems, we can offer training sessions to the community. This extends the benefits beyond our students and enriches our local workforce.

Go to our Giving Tuesday donation page to support this project today!