A lesson in giving: Student projects aim to raise funds for Calgary-area charities
Last month, students enrolled in SAIT’s Project Management course transformed theory into philanthropy, commerce into community — and they invited Calgarians to take part.
SAIT’s School of Business — ranked #2 in Canada as CEOWORLD’s Best Business Schools In The World For 2022 held fundraising events for a range of local charities handpicked by students. In its sixth year, the fundraising initiative surpassed its initial goal and raised more than $34,000 — the largest amount raised in one semester to date ¬— adding to the $140,000 previously raised through the duration of the project.
Four classes of 128 students planned and executed 22 unique events for Calgarians, ranging from bingo nights to mini golf, silent auctions and bowling — all in support of causes near and dear to the students.
“These students work hard and most of them have never worked together before. They learn to build relationships with their client organization, plan complex fundraising event and integrate their new project management skills. This initiative is a great example of applied, work-integrated learning at its best," says Tom Morin, project management instructor.
Teamwork and community spirit at the heart of project success
Funds were raised for multiple children’s charities focused on education, providing healthy lunches and cancer care. Pet charities were also well represented through partnerships with the Calgary Humane Society and a pet visitation therapy society.
"The fundraising project was more than just raising funds and learning how to manage a project or organize an event. It brought us together and we learned fundraising events can be a powerful tool to raise awareness,” says Marian Bongato, second-year Business Administration student.
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SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.