University student hardship fund raises £5,000 in first day
Retired pharmacist-turned-philanthropist urges others to donate
A Covid-19 Hardship Fund Appeal for students at the University of Bradford raised £5,000 in its first day.
The appeal launched on Thursday December 3 and by Friday had reached four figures. The move comes after the University’s Money Team saw a 107 per cent increase in applications for its hardship funding from students at the University.
One of the first donors was retired Bradford pharmacist Manoj Joshi, pictured, who pledged £500. A Past District Governor of Rotary International, he is an honorary graduate of the University, Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and founding Chairman of Bradford Academy (to mention just a few of his responsibilities) but he is possibly best known for his active support of the global campaign to eradicate polio.
Speaking about his donation, the former Ugandan refugee who came to the UK in 1972, said: “I made a donation because I know what it’s like to have nothing. It’s so important to support people who are in that situation. It sends a powerful message and I urge others who can to do the same.”
Money raised will be used to support some of the poorest students, many of whom have little or no other means of financial income other than working part time - something many have been unable to do during lockdown.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice Chancellor, University of Bradford said: “This is an amazing response to our student hardship fund and shows the generosity and kindness of all those who donated. These donations will help some of our poorest students, many of whom have little or no support structures. We appreciate all the contributions which have been made so far and we'd love to get closer to our target.
"In a ‘normal’ year, evidence overwhelmingly shows, the number one reason students drop out of university is because of financial hardship and debt. As we know, this is not a normal year and some of our students are experiencing severe hardship. With your support, we can keep them in education and allow them to build the future they deserve."
Appeal for support:
Your gift will make a make a big difference to our students:
A gift of £25 could keep a student healthy and focussed by covering the cost of food
A gift of £50 could keep a student warm by paying their heating bill
A gift of £500 could give a student peace of mind by enabling them to pay their rent