In just 24 hours, TRU Day of Giving brought in $131,584 to support students at Thompson Rivers University, far surpassing the $80,000 goal.

A total of 264 donors, including alumni, longtime supporters, community organizations, and new contributors, directed their gifts to scholarships, bursaries, and campus initiatives. Matching and challenge gifts from donors like Roland and Anne Neave, the Kamloops Blazers Scholarship and Education Society, and the TRU Alumni Office added extra momentum.

“We were absolutely blown away,” said Katrina Harding, TRU’s advancement officer. “It showed that our communities really stand with our students and want to be part of the change we’re making for the future.”

Donors could choose where their gifts went — from the Owen McInnis Memorial Men’s Volleyball Award to WolfPack scholarships, trades, arts, business programs, the Indigenous Centre, and the low-carbon district energy system.

TRU President and Vice-Chancellor Airini said the event celebrates the power of community. “Every gift, large or small, makes a real difference in students’ lives,” she said.

Students echoed that sentiment. Joe Williamson, a Bachelor of Computing Science student, said the support gave him peace of mind to focus on studies, while Alexa Liptak, a Bachelor of Communications student, said it reduced stress. Master of Education student Rumana Patel described donations as a “domino effect” that touches far more than just finances.

Harding said the support from near and far is inspiring. “It means someone out there believes in our students. You’ve made a huge difference,” she said.