STEPHENVILLE, NL – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted society in many ways, whether it’s personally, socially, economically, professionally, or financially, and the recovery timeframe from this unique period in history knows no bounds.
Post-secondary students are no exception. Work terms, summer employment and funding opportunities have been restricted or diminished over the past several months as governments, businesses and organizations determine their courses of action during and after the pandemic.
With a view to helping students in need, College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is launching a COVID-19 Student Relief Fund along with its affinity partner, TD Meloche Monnex, that will provide immediate, much-needed financial support for any of its students who qualify. The launch of this fundraiser coincides with Giving Tuesday on May 5, which has been set aside as a global day of action for an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, CNA wants the giving to continue well beyond that day.
Bruce Hollett, CNA President & CEO, says the college’s response to the pandemic has been fluid and steadfast despite the many challenges it has presented along the way. The COVID-19 Student Relief Fund is another means for the college to put assistance in place where it’s needed, but this requires the support of its partners, communities, donors and the public.
“If anything, this period has taught us how resilient we are, and that we have been able to adapt quickly to situations when the needs present themselves,” said Hollett. “However, it hasn’t been without its share of financial hardships, especially for many of our students. CNA would like to build on its existing Student Emergency Fund, and with the public’s help, these donations can bridge the financial gap for many students and assist them with learning while managing the impact of COVID-19 on themselves and their families.”
Anna Peddle, CNA’s Office of Alumni & Advancement Manager, says all funds raised through this initiative will provide immediate and much-needed support for many students.
“We understand that students and families may need financial support right now and we want to do whatever we can to help,” said Peddle. “We have established this new fund with our affinity partner to offer some financial aid for students who qualify. This fund also allows our partners, supporters, donors and individuals who also want to help to be able to do so. Together, we can take one more step to help students and their families get through these difficult times.”
Students who qualify for relief funding assistance will receive a one-time bursary that will help provide financial support that contribute to meeting their basic needs.
To donate, visit
www.cna.nl.ca/give, or if you are a student who would like to learn more, visit
www.cna.nl.ca/news/coronavirus-update.
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Media contact:
Michelle Barry
Communications Manager
College of the North Atlantic
1-709-643-7721
Michelle.barry@cna.nl.ca