Janice is in her second year at OCAD University. She lost her part-time job in her family’s restaurant when it closed because of the current pandemic. Her parents cannot afford to help her and she cannot pay her rent or buy groceries.
While we have changed the name and details of Janice’s story, she is one of the many students reaching out to OCAD U for financial support through the emergency bursary fund.
“We are seeing an unprecedented volume of applications for financial support through our current emergency funds – triple the number of requests for help compared to previous years,” says Carole Beaulieu, Vice-President of Advancement.
To meet this rising demand and provide short-term financial assistance, the University has reallocated institutional funds and transferred all available financial aid resources.
However, as Beaulieu explains: “We are going to be in a situation where we cannot meet all of these urgent requests for help.”
That is why OCAD University is reaching out to recent and past donors and major supporters to raise funds for the COVID-19 Emergency Bursary Fund.
“We know our students have been especially hard hit by the current public health crisis. Many have one or more jobs to pay for their living expenses and education. They have lost significant – if not all – income as a result of the pandemic, and do not qualify for government assistance programs or COVID-19 relief packages,” adds Beaulieu.
During this time of great need, the University is encouraging people to consider making a donation to support these bright, dedicated students so they can continue their education and pursue their dreams as emerging artists and designers.
Learn more about the COVID-19 Emergency Bursary Fund or you can make a donation here.