The Gift of Education

Published in Momentum Fall 2021

The Mohawk College Foundation’s Give the Gift of Education catalogue eases the burden for students facing financial challenges. 

“People often think the only means to support a student is through a scholarship or a large donation, but that’s not the case, there are so many ways to give,“ said Linda Rourke, Acting Director of Development. “The gift catalogue connects staff, alumni and the community to how they can truly support our students. 

There are a wide range of options: reduce the rent; food assistance; or help with technology or program equipment for school. 

“We don’t often see the struggles of students who are choosing between paying rent, paying a bill or putting food on the table,” said Rourke. 

”The financial assistance received from Mohawk will be of great help to me in paying my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate more of my time on studying.”

Those challenges were only deepened during the pandemic, when students weren’t able to work or couldn’t rely on as much support from their families.  

President Ron McKerlie is a former chair of the board of World Vision and was inspired by the international charity’s gift catalogue that clearly shows the impact of a donation of any size. He says financial stress often plays a role when students decide to abandon their studies. 

“The Give the Gift of Education catalogue is a direct response to that reality. We have increased our efforts to address student financial stress and we are turning to the community to help us do even more.” 

The initiative earned Mohawk a bronze in the Canadian Council for Advancement of Education Prix d’Excellence Awards in 2020 for best fundraising materials. 

It often takes five years for a new fundraising initiative to become firmly established, says Rourke. Each year, contributions to the Gift Catalogue grow. Between November 2020 and September of this year, 83 donors have contributed 122 items, with an average gift of almost $350.  

Student Jayraj Munjalbhai Modi says receiving financial aid at Mohawk eased his worries. He arrived in Canada from India during the pandemic to study International Business Management.  

“The financial assistance received from Mohawk will be of great help to me in paying my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate more of my time on studying.”  

Learn more about how to support our students: giftcatalogue.mohawkcollege.ca

Photo caption: Jayraj Munjalbhai Modi, Mohawk graduate