Access to Success campaign a success
The University of the Western Cape’s Access to Success campaign has exceeded all expectations, having raised over R1 million within only two weeks of its launch– and it’s still going strong.
The campaign’s Phonathon initiative has secured 219 pledges to the value of R977 550 from 12 to 24 September 2016, and the UWC Faculty & Staff Appeal resulted in 119 pledges to the value of R175 449 from 19 to 23 September. This is over the R1 million that was initially targeted from alumni in pledges over a three-year period - a target set when the campaign was established.
The Access to Success campaign is a partnership between UWC and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), created to respond to the need of ensuring that academically performing UWC students are provided with opportunities and the necessary resources to complete their qualifications. Four SABC radio stations – SAFM, Good Hope FM, Umhlobo Wenene and Radio 2000 – are actively involved in highlighting the importance of a collective solution-finding effort where the UWC community, alumni, corporate South Africa and friends of UWC collaborate towards finding sustainable funding solutions for students in need.
In support of the public appeal, an Alumni Phonathon, Faculty and Staff campaign, as well as corporate appeal initiatives were set up to target specific stakeholders to raise funds. These initiatives are spearheaded by the Alumni Relations Office in the Department of Institutional Advancement, and involve a number of stakeholders from other departments throughout the University.
The five-week phonathon programme involves 50 students calling UWC alumni across South Africa with the aim to reconnect, update their contact details and raise funds to address student fees needs, as part of the ‘Access to Success’ campaign.
The staff campaign involves a team from the Alumni Office visiting faculties and departments to invite staff members to pledge their support of these fundraising efforts. Once staff members have completed the payroll deduction form, the campaign team/online team take a picture of them holding a board that reads “I am a Proud UWC Staff Donor! #AccesstoSuccess #IamUWC”.
The pictures will be uploaded on UWC’s social media platforms where staff can tag themselves and also challenge other staff members to donate. They will also be shared on the UWC Community photo gallery on thewww.accesstosuccess.uwc.ac.za website.
“Through doing this, UWC will illustrate the power of collective support and of our generous spirit of Ubuntu,” comments Samantha Castle, Manager of UWC’s Alumni Relations Office.
The Access to Success campaign runs until 13 October. Be sure to check this page for regular phonathon updates, or tweet us your feedback using our twitter handle, @uwconline, or the hashtag #uwcaccesstosuccess.
Please address any questions to the Alumni Office: alumni@uwc.ac.za
