CIVL Radio 101.7FM helps UFV reach fundraising goal for student relief

When Aaron Levy, station manager for CIVL Radio, learned UFV’s Student Emergency Fund was just shy of its $100,000 goal, he reached out to Anita Nielsen, Executive Director, Advancement & Alumni Relations to see how CIVL could help. The CIVL Radio board of directors subsequently donated $10,170 to support students impacted by COVID-19. With CIVL’s contribution, the campaign surpassed its goal, with total contributions reaching $107,421.

“It’s our pleasure to give back to students in this time of need. We have also agreed to make a $500 donation to the UFV Food Bank which can go directly towards food vouchers/cards for students,” says Aaron Levy, CIVL Station Manager.

“These contributions are a testament to how much CIVL has grown since inception by volunteer Student Union Society ex-officio executives with no budget in 2003. Today, CIVL is proud to lead the way in the national campus and community radio sector in a number of different areas. Locally, making this contribution, which goes directly back to the students who fund us but find themselves in need right now, is emblematic of how essential and impactful that dream students once had has grown to become in this community. Our founders never expected this, but through their hard work, innovation and planning, their contributions are still leading to necessary change and advocacy.”

Kyle Baillie, Director, Student Life & Development, says “This donation is another example of CIVL being a community focused partner and working to improve culture, arts and life in the Fraser Valley. We are very thankful for their contribution and look forward to other exciting partnership opportunities with CIVL Radio, 101.7 FM.”

Baillie and Levy spoke recently about the impact of the Student Emergency Fund and the UFV Food Bank, and Student Life’s role in engaging students and helping to support them holistically in the opportunities and challenges university life presents. Click here to listen to their discussion.

Anita Nielsen is grateful for community partners like the CIVL Radio.

“Many UFV students have been laid off from their part-time jobs or have seen their summer employment prospects disappear. We are truly appreciative of this generous donation from CIVL Radio to help our students pay rent, buy groceries, or afford internet to continue their studies at UFV.”

The UFV Student Emergency Fund assists students experiencing urgent and serious financial difficulties. Other initiatives supporting this fundraising drive include UFV employees voluntarily redirecting their parking fees while they are working from home, and #Giving Tuesday Now.

Help support students at UFV 

Pictured: Aaron Levy, Station Manager, Drew Riekman, Board member, Renee Campbell, Alumna staff, Surjit Atwal, News programmer, CIVL Radio; Kyle Baillie, Director, Student Life & Development, Deanna McIntyre, Manager, Donor Relations, UFV.

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