Giving Day 2026 shows generosity comes full circle

When donors support the University of Saskatchewan (USask), they create opportunities that can change lives. 

On Sept. 9, USask Giving Day 2026 highlighted that impact by inviting students to be donors for a day, while the broader USask community raised $376,495 in support of students, research, and programs, which was a 22 percent increase from Giving Day 2025.

In total, 676 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends donated to more than 120 initiatives across campus, which is a 13 percent increase in donors compared to Giving Day 2025.

“The success of Giving Day reflects the remarkable generosity of the USask community,” said Vince Bruni-Bossio, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan. “By coming together in support of students, research, and programs, our donors are helping create opportunities that strengthen communities across Saskatchewan and beyond.” 

Thanks to the generosity of matching donors Cheryl Hamelin (BSHEC’88), Grit (BEd'91) and Scott (BComm'69) McCreath, and members of the Engineering Advancement Trust, gifts were matched up to $1,000 per gift until the matching pool was expended, helping Giving Day supporters make an even greater impact on the scholarships, research, and colleges closest to their hearts.

New this year, the University Relations team hosted Spin to Give in Upper Place Riel, inviting students to spin a wheel, earn “USask Bucks,” and choose one of four areas supporting students’ greatest needs. “We are deeply grateful to our donors who matched gifts and contributed to the Spin to Give activity,” said Kim Kroll-Goodwin, interim vice-president university relations. “Their support amplified the spirit of philanthropy across our campuses, inspired participation, increased impact, and helped make Giving Day a true community-wide effort.”  

Thanks to contributions from Gord (BComm’72) and Maureen (BEd’70) Haddock and Greg (BComm'79) and Rae Smith, more than 400 students participated in Spin to Give, allocating a total of $15,000 across four areas: 

• Mental Health and Student Wellness: $4,350 
• Food Security: $2,850 
• Scholarships and Bursaries: $5,100 
• Emergency Financial Support: $2,700 

This exercise gave students a unique opportunity to experience the power of philanthropy in action as they decided where support was needed most. 

“Giving Day shows USask students that there is a community of people who genuinely care about our success,” said Abtin Safaeian, president of the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union (USSU). “And through Spin to Give, we as students had the opportunity to experience philanthropy from a different perspective and see how even small acts of generosity can collectively make a meaningful difference." 

Having experienced that generosity firsthand, Safaeian hopes he can pay it forward one day. 

“The support I received through scholarships has made a meaningful impact on my journey, and I hope to give back through Giving Day in the future.” 

 
Missed Giving Day? You can still support the students, research, or colleges that matter most to you. Visit give.usask.ca to make your gift.