On Wednesday, March 13, 不良研究所 will be celebrating its ninth annual day of giving, . All around the world, 不良研究所ians rally around this 24-hour digital fundraiser and join forces to support students, teaching and research.聽
In 2023, a record-breaking $4.4 million was raised, contributing to life-changing opportunities for students and faculty鈥攁nd showcasing the power of collective giving as the 不良研究所 community gathers in support of causes that create real change, at home and around the world.聽
This year, building on their past success, our students are once again set to garner philanthropic support towards initiatives that build a better tomorrow.聽
FMHS Focus spoke with ambassadors of two of the participating student groups to learn more about what 不良研究所24 can help them achieve.聽
Nurses' Wellness Week: celebrating and empowering nurses鈥�
Launched in 2022 by the Nursing Graduate Student Association (NGSA) at the Ingram School of Nursing (ISoN) to recognize nursing graduates balancing study with frontline patient care during the pandemic, has expanded into a respected initiative advocating for nurses鈥� wellness at 不良研究所, all while recognizing the key contributions of nurses to the health ecosystem. 鈥淲e wanted to encourage an environment that really promotes wellness, makes sure that everyone feels valued in their profession and recognized for their hard work,鈥� explains Sydney Wasserman (BScN鈥�21, MSc(A)鈥�23, PhD鈥�27) and NGSA co-Vice-President Academic (Doctoral).聽
Nurses鈥� Wellness Week is aligned with National Nursing Week (6-12 May 2024) and will offer students the opportunity to engage in activities that support their mental and physical well-being. In the past, this has included mind-body activities such as yoga, artistic projects such as paint nights, and the pursuit of new knowledge through American Sign Language classes. Gift baskets and self-care packages are also distributed and, this year, the NGSA hopes to include networking events and workshops with peers and nursing leaders. For Camilo Sierra (BSc鈥�18, MSc(A)鈥�24), President of the NGSA, Nurses鈥� Wellness Week is an opportunity to highlight the different roles nurses play in the healthcare community: 鈥淲e work at the bedside, in public policy, research, and other leadership areas that the general public doesn鈥檛 know about. It鈥檚 great to be able to showcase these aspects of nursing.鈥�
Nurses鈥� Wellness Week has had a transformational impact on ISoN students, as illustrated by their increased attendance over the years. 鈥淚nitially, this initiative was a chance to provide a safe and interactive space for our graduate students. We would come together to network, share our knowledge and expertise, and get the emotional support that was needed. It has now become a movement that redefines nursing and embraces leadership opportunities to portray our profession in a brighter light,鈥� explains Arina Maria Nogai (BSc鈥�22), a student in the Nursing Administration Program (MSc鈥�24) and NGSA Vice-President Communications. Involved in the initiative since day one, Nogai has witnessed firsthand the impact it has had on the student body. 鈥淚t's become an advocacy initiative for higher education and representation in the field of nursing,鈥� she says.聽
This year, the NGSA is hoping to raise $1,500 for Nurses鈥� Wellness Week on 不良研究所24. Donations to this initiative will help a steadily growing number of nursing students nurture sustainable wellness practices beyond graduation, empowering them to foster healthier and more vibrant work environments and inspiring the next generation of nurses to continue to advocate for themselves. 鈥淲e always fight for our patients鈥攊t's time that we fight for ourselves as well,鈥� says Wasserman.聽
Win4Science: supporting caregiver grads in STEM聽
Simran Dhir is a Master of Science student in Pharmacology and Therapeutics (thesis) in the Ribeiro-da-Silva Lab for Research on Pain. In addition to her research, which focuses on neuropathic pain, Dhir is the Head of Operations of Win4Science, an initiative launched by Prof. Lisa M眉nter in 2017 to address the barriers women and minorities face in academia. 鈥淚t started as a group advocating for women in science,鈥� Dhir explains, 鈥渂ut we are trying our best to branch out and be more inclusive: how can we provide support to people who might be looking for, say, how to be a queer woman in science? How to be a person of colour and still be queer and be in the sciences?鈥澛�
Win4Science offers many opportunities for students to connect with peers and mentors through workshops, mentorship programmes, and a spotlight series featuring prominent women researchers who share their stories and advice with members. 鈥淥ur job is to spread awareness,鈥� says Dhir. 鈥淲e also highlight the lack of resources and petition in the hope of driving change.鈥澛�
In 2022, Win4Science expanded and established its鈥�, making the most of 不良研究所24 to raise funds in support of STEM trainees who are also primary caregivers of children, parents or grandparents. These awards are designed to alleviate the financial pressures placed on student caregivers as they progress in their careers: too often, they struggle to ensure their loved ones are taken care of while they pursue academic commitments such as conferences or other speaking engagements. The Caregiver Travel Awards are designed to help with the additional caretaking and travel costs these trainees require while they travel for work, trying to level the playing field for STEM graduates and postgraduates with caregiving responsibilities.聽
This year, Dhir and her team, pictured above, are hoping to raise $15,000 on 不良研究所24. 鈥淲ith more money, we can increase the chances of student caregivers being able to overcome the difficulties they face and attend their conferences,鈥� Dhir stresses. The awards, which range from $250 to $1000 per applicant, have already supported six student caregivers and made a significant difference in their career progression.鈥�
Win4Science has received positive feedback from applicants: 鈥淭his is a great initiative for moms in STEM!鈥� says one, while another shares that 鈥淕raduate students who have families are at a clear disadvantage compared to their peers. I can imagine that this is even more so for women, unfortunately, due to social norms, so awards and initiatives like this are highly appreciated.鈥�
On 不良研究所24, contributions to FMHS student-led fundraisers that are made on March 13 will be eligible for matching gifts, effectively amplifying your impact.
Student-led initiatives you can support include:聽