In recognition of the impacts of the ongoing public health emergency, Employee Giving Month, set for April, has been canceled this year, announced Shaun Keister, vice chancellor of Development and Alumni Relations, or DEVAR.
“Many of our employees are feeling the impacts of this health crisis, whether they are moving their classes online, working at home while also caring for family members, or are treating patients in our community who are most at risk,” Keister said. “In light of those challenges, we feel this is the right decision.”
The decision was made after much consideration by representatives of the Employee Giving Committee along with UC Davis Health and the Annual and Special Gifts Program in DEVAR.
Appeal for emergency funds
To help the UC Davis community cope with impacts from COVID-19, DEVAR sent an email March 21 to raise money for emergency funds, with a link to those funds on the Give Day site that provide immediate help to students and health care professionals.
“We want to help our students and all those in the medical community who are working around the clock to keep us safe,” said Keister. “Everyone in the UC Davis community and beyond can make a donation. Gifts of any size are welcome and have an immediate impact.”
Although Employee Giving Month has been canceled, Give Day will go on as planned on April 17–18, barring any further developments related to COVID-19, which UC Davis leadership is closely monitoring.
Give Day still needed
The decision to carry on with Give Day was made in recognition that philanthropic support is greatly needed by so many in the UC Davis and UC Davis Health communities.
“As a premier public research university with a mission to educate, advance knowledge and serve the community, our leadership and expertise are needed now more than ever,” said Keister. “The skills we impart throughout all our disciplines and programs are of enduring value and are key to shaping a better world during and beyond this moment.”
Those who wish to contribute to the emergency relief and COVID-19 efforts may do so on the Give Day website.