As a single mother raising an eight-year-old son with a developmental disability, Rachel McGee has faced many challenges while studying at Trent University to become a chemical biology researcher.

The 35-year-old undergraduate student explains that when she decided to break free of the cycle of minimum-wage jobs and pursue her dreams at Trent, she faced childcare issues, a pandemic, and long commutes, but she remains grateful that the University has provided bursaries, so she doesn’t have additional worries of how to pay for rent or groceries.

“I wouldn’t be able to get by without bursaries from Trent,” she explains. “Despite all my struggles, bursaries have allowed me to continue my studies. I’m working towards creating a better future for my son and pursuing my dreams of becoming a health researcher.”

Today is Giving Tuesday – an annual event widely considered opening day of the holiday giving season – and gifts to Trent University will assist students like Rachel by providing bursaries, mentoring, emergency housing, mental-health support, on-campus employment or scholarships.

The generous support received on Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesdayCA), amplified by some exciting matching opportunities, plays a significant role in nourishing the personal, purposeful and transformative educational experience that sets Trent apart and puts graduates on the right path to accomplishing their dreams.

“Students are at the heart of Trent University as they bring their resiliency, determination and hope for the future,” said Sherry Booth ’98, associate vice-president, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. “Thank you for investing in their bright futures.”

Donors can visit the University’s Giving Tuesday web page to direct their gift to specific areas such as the Trent Fund, Trent Durham GTA, Trent Athletics, or one of Trent’s Colleges.

As Rachel reminds us, supporting Trent this Giving Tuesday improves the lives of hundreds of University students on their post-secondary journey.

“Investing in students is investing in next year’s scientists, writers, artists and leaders,” she says. “It’s money well spent.”

Learn more about how you can support Trent students this Giving Tuesday.