By Ina Sidhu
When paying an average $4,401.50 tuition for one year, what student will miss some extra change?
Every year, one dollar from each student at the University of Calgary is donated to a worthy foundation; the Committee of 10,000.
"We are giving money to people who deserve it," explained U of C Student’s Union Vice-President External Oliver Bladek. "It’s a way for students to give back to the community."
The committee was founded in 1992 in conjunction with Volunteer Services and was named for the number of students attending the university at that time. As enrolment numbers have increased, so has the dollar amount available to the committee. The funds collected are awarded to charitable and non-profit organizations based on their application and demonstration of need.
"The Committee of 10,000 seeks to fund unique opportunities not usually funded in large funding drives," explained Bladek.
Prior benficiaries of the committee include AIDS Calgary and Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding Centre which provides equestrian lessons to children with disabilities for rehabilitative purposes.
The committee’s five members will soon meet to set the criteria for succesful recipients and evaluate all applications. This year, as in 2001, the committee will allocate $17,500 by May 1. Only 10 applications have been received, as compared to 40 at the same time last year.
"Everyone’s a great procrastinator," smiled Bladek, who is confident that the difference in applications will be made up by the Feb. 22 deadline.
The actual number of recipients is as yet unknown as is the dollar value each will receive. Contrary to previous years, successful recipients will be required to submit a follow-up report describing their usage of the money.
"In order to make student money accountable, we feel it’s prudent to have successful applicants report back to the committee," explained Bladek.
Applications may be obtained from the Students’ Union office or Volunteer Services. For more information, interested parties should e-mail suvpext@ucalgary.ca.