This Giving Tuesday, you can help make a safer and more inclusive Laurier

Nov. 29, 2022

#GivingTuesday is a day for giving back and investing in what matters most.  

This year, in the university’s first-ever EDI-focused campaign, the Wilfrid Laurier University community is coming together to support the Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CSEDI) in their work to create a campus environment where all Laurier students can experience a sense of belonging. 

“Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are a part of our core values in the Laurier community,” says Jason Coolman, Laurier’s vice-president of Advancement and External Relations. “Supporting CSEDI’s on-the-ground work to connect students and create a culture of respect and belonging on our campuses is an important way to have a direct and positive impact on the lives of equity-deserving students who call Laurier home. I invite you to join me in donating to CSEDI this Giving Tuesday.”  

All gifts will be matched up to a total maximum of $50,000, thanks to the generosity of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association. 

With the return to on-campus learning, the number of students registered with CSEDI groups and programs has grown rapidly this year. The centre is a collective of support staff and student-led services on Laurier’s Brantford and Waterloo campuses, including:  

• Association of Black Students (Waterloo)
• Rainbow Centre (Waterloo) 
• Black Student Collective (Brantford) 
• Middle Eastern Association (Brantford) 
• Queer Sphere (Brantford) 
• Muslim Students’ Association (Waterloo and Brantford)
• Student Advocates for Accessibility (Brantford)
• Laurier Brantford Women’s Centre (Brantford) 
• Centre for Women and Trans People (Waterloo)

We also provide support to Clubs and Associations under the Students’ Union, and individual students seeking support, collaborations or care on campus.  

With more support, CSEDI can grow to better meet the needs of Laurier’s increasingly diverse student population. The centre can continue to deliver educational programming across both Brantford and Waterloo campuses, connect students with accessibility resources, mental health supports, EDI education and affirming care and make much-needed updates to offerings like multi-faith prayer and communal gathering spaces.  

“As manager of the centres in both Brantford and Waterloo, I see first-hand how students from historically, persistently or systematically marginalized communities stand up and come through for each other in thoughtful and innovative ways,” says CSEDI manager Lauren Burrows (BA, ’14, MA, ’20). “CSEDI provides a crucial aspect of community for many equity-deserving Laurier students. It is a place of affirmation and possibility where we labour to break down barriers to belonging. With your support, we can do more to build a safer, more inclusive Laurier for all.” 

Every donation made to CSEDI today will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to a total maximum of $50,000. Today, your $50 gift doubles to $100 and supports the student-led, student-focused work of the university’s Centre for Student Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

All donations made to CSEDI on or before Giving Tuesday will be matched, thanks to the generosity of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association (WLUAA).  

“I am incredibly proud of the leadership role WLUAA is playing in this milestone campaign,” says Kyle Walker (BA, ’11), president of the WLUAA. “Let’s come together to help ensure that all Laurier students can benefit from the sense of belonging and community that has long set Laurier apart.” 

The Laurier community can also help by spreading the word about Laurier’s first EDI-focused fundraising campaign in support of CSEDI. Follow @laurieralumni: every like, comment or share on the fundraising campaign posts equals a $1 donation.