Inspired by your generosity

This year, hundreds of NAIT staff supported the institute’s all-staff fundraising campaign NAIT it Forward. Since the campaign was first initated in 2014, staff have raised more than $500,000 to support students.

Donors have contributed to several student-focused areas like student awards and the NAIT Fund – a special fund that supports the greatest needs on campus including mental health programs, scholarships and new learning spaces. Other programs supported include the NAIT Culinary Team and Canine Animal Blood Bank. 

When Business Administration student Emily Meyers-Armstrong was asked to help write thank you cards, she found herself inspired by donors’ generosity. Instead of simple messages of gratitude, she included drawings with her inscriptions. Several included the Ook (NAIT’s mascot since 1964).

"If someone cares enough to help with my education, I think that's awesome."

By the end of the campaign, she had created 65 unique cards thanking donors for their generosity (pictured here).

"If someone cares enough to help with my education, I think that's awesome, and I want to say something nice in return," says Emily. "And if they like the message and drawing, then I hope they know that what their support went to means something to students like me.”