Stellenbosch University (SU) is set to host its third annual Giving Day from 6 to 7 October and is challenging alumni, students, staff and friends of the University to get involved.
The cause? To help Matie students overcome the many obstacles on their path to success. All proceeds will go towards Bridge the Gap (BTG), the University's Annual Fund. SU is raising funds for several initiatives under the umbrella of BTG. These include:
#Move4Food, the Tygerberg Pantry Project, #Action4Inclusion, #GradMe, #Zim4Zim, #MatiesHaveDrive and Caught in the Middle.
Giving Day activities will be mostly centred in and around the Neelsie Student Centre in Stellenbosch, but if you find yourself in other parts of South Africa or abroad, you will still have the opportunity to make a contribution.
Giving Day activities include a movie marathon at the newly revamped Neelsie Cinema, a spin-a-thon to get your blood pumping, an opportunity to donate the cost of your first cup of coffee and in so doing “fuel-a-future", a table tennis tournament, a tree decorating competition for residences and PSO's, an art exhibition and art sale, and a Matie run.
“Giving Day is an example of how we can all come together to make a tangible difference in the lives of students in need. Here at Stellenbosch University we believe that no student should be left behind. All gifts, no matter how small, are welcomed and will be greatly appreciated," says Viwe Benxa, BTG co-ordinator at SU.
More on the Giving Day activities (starts at 09:00)
Fuel-A-Future
Staff, alumni and student communities are urged to donate the cost of their first cup of coffee towards Bridge the Gap.
Spin-a-thon
Students, staff and alumni will ride stationary bicycles set up in the Neelsie. Participants will be allocated 10-minute timeslots ahead of time. You can sponsor a team or individual rider at R20 each to participate in the activity.
Maties Run
If you would like to take part in the Maties Run, you can choose to complete a 2.5 km, 5 km, 10 km or even 20 km run on any route of your choice, wherever you are. All you have to do is ask your network of friends or family to sponsor any amount for each kilometre that you complete.
Art Exhibition
During the 24-hour period of Giving Day at the Neelsie, we will have a student art exhibition where students can display their works and contribute to the cause with their artistic skill. We encourage you to come and view the art on display and buy one-of-a kind art pieces.
Table Tennis
Table tennis spots will be set up on the ground floor of the Neelsie. Timeslots will be allocated ahead of time, but passers-by can also get involved. Participants will be charged a fee of R20 to play for 15 to 20 minutes.
Forest of Giving
Residences and Private Student Organisations (PSO) will decorate the trees on Victoria Street between Dagbreek and Irene. Each residence or PSO will be allocated a tree, and a donation box to collect non-perishable foods and toiletries (including sanitary towels) will be placed at each decorated tree. Please feel free to drop off an item or two.
Movie Marathon
The Movie Marathon will take place at the revamped Neelsie Cinema from 16:00 on 6 October to 02:00 on 7 October. The cinema has 219 seats, 121 in cinema One and 98 in cinema Two. Tickets for the movies are R30 each and will be sold on Quicket. (BOOK HERE)
