Royal Roads launches first-ever Giving Day

Royal Roads University (RRU) is thrilled to announce its inaugural Giving Day, happening November 26–27, 2025. For 36 hours, the RRU community will unite to support students where they need it most. 

Every gift, of any amount, to any fund, will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $27,000, thanks to the generosity of matching donors helping to reach our $100,000 Giving Day goal. 

"Giving Day is about collective impact," says Rebecca Sharma, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations at RRU. "When we come together, every contribution, big or small, creates brighter opportunities for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers." 

Donors can choose to support any fund that is close to their heart or one of six spotlight funds: 

• Life Happens Bursary – Emergency bursaries and the RRU Student Food Bank for when “life happens.”
• John Horgan Entrance Award – Up to $5,000 for tuition at the RRU Langford campus, honouring John Horgan’s legacy.
• Indigenous Scholars Grant – Support Indigenous scholars, research, and community-driven learning.
• Area of Greatest Student Need – Entrance awards and bursaries to empower future leaders.
• Military Heritage Fund – Preserve historic sites and artifacts, honouring Royal Roads’ military legacy.
• Hatley Park Gardens, Grounds and Heritage Fund – Revitalize the Japanese Gardens and grow The Farm at RRU for hands-on learning. 

"This is more than a fundraiser,” says Sharma. “It’s a celebration of generosity and community. Every gift tells our students, ‘We believe in you.’" 

In addition to financial donations, RRU is celebrating the donation of a new cooler for the RRU student food bank, generously provided by the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. This upgraded fridge will allow the food bank to store fresh produce from the Giving Garden at the Farm at RRU year-round, along with other perishable items. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank will also be delivering a truckload of food that will support students and the local community, just in time for the holidays. The installation and stocking of the new fridge will be supported by staff and student volunteers and was made possible through the efforts of long-time friend of RRU Megan Hamlet and her partner David Long, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.  

RRU’s inaugural Giving Day marks the launch of a bold new tradition—one designed to spark excitement, strengthen community spirit, and bring the Royal Roads community together in a shared act of generosity. Rooted in the season of giving, it amplifies the university’s culture of philanthropy and supports its Leading with Courage campaign and, in turn, benefits RRU’s students. 

Royal Roads would also like to say thank you to our matching donors who embody the spirit of Giving Day—President and Vice-Chancellor Philip Steenkamp, alum Domenico Iannidinardo (MBA 2009), and Director of Stakeholder Relations Drew Duncan—and for inspiring generosity and commitment to student success. 

Join us this Giving Day and help make a difference in just 36 hours. 

Learn more and donate at RRU Giving Day.