The Queen’s Class of 2020 faced challenges that tested their resolve and made their journey to graduation more difficult than anyone could have imagined.
Despite this, they are starting their first days as alumni giving back to others — voting to give more than $14,252 dollars to and helping Canadians from coast to coast fight hunger.
The donation in the name of the Class of 2020 is part of a new initiative that will mark the university’s 180th year while simultaneously challenging alumni to change something for good in their own communities — wherever in the world they are. Called #180For180, Queen’s is asking new graduates to turn something 180 degrees for good by volunteering for 180 minutes.
More than 7,000 Class-of-2020 graduates were recently sent a package that included a custom notebook and a letter encouraging them to make a difference in their communities. A portion of the price of each book was set aside for a donation and, based on votes by the graduates, Food Banks Canada — an organization that helps people living with food insecurity and supports a network of more than 500 food banks across the country — was selected by the Class of 2020 from a list of charities shortlisted by the Queen’s University Alumni Association (QUAA).
“Let’s start 2021 with a spirit of giving, and have our alumni unite to help others,” says QUAA President Rico Garcia, Artsci’14. “If everyone contributes a little time, together the Queen’s community can have a big impact.”
The #180For180 challenge asks grads to pitch in any way they can – join the board of an organization that is changing lives, share their skills with someone in the community who needs a helping hand, or volunteer for a cause that is important to them.
Class-of-2020 grads are encouraged to use their custom notebooks to document how they spent 180 minutes turning something 180 degrees — and then share their stories by posting to social media with the hashtag #180For180, or sending an email to let Queen’s know how they are helping.
“This initiative is an opportunity to do something that is meaningful to both myself and my community. I hope the 180 for 180 stories from the Class of 2020 inspire people to give back,” says Becca Dann, an Artsci’20 graduate and former president of the Queen’s Student Alumni Association.
Learn more about how to participate.
