SUDBURY -- As COVID-19 puts a strain on postsecondary students around the world, Sudbury businesses came through to help those at Cambrian College as part of Giving Tuesday.

Cambrian College announced in a news release on Wednesday it received $83,546 in donations during this year's annual campaign.

Giving Tuesday is a global charitable movement in its eighth year and occurs after Black Friday as a way of kicking off the season of giving.

"All proceeds from Giving Tuesday will be directed to hardship bursaries for students and the Cambrian College Student Foodbank," the school said.

Brandi Braithwaite, Cambrian's director of development, said they are overwhelmed by the community's generosity.

"This has been an extraordinary year for everyone and an especially difficult one for a lot of our students. They rely on those traditional part-time jobs that just aren’t there this year. But thanks to the amazing kindness of our community, we’ve exceeded our boldest expectations and we’re helping ease that burden on the students during this pandemic," said Braithwaite.

She credits the achievement to the support of several corporate donors and individuals who chose to match donations:

  • Lopes Limited
  • Ionic Mechatronics
  • Crosstown Chevrolet's Vince Pollesel and Cambrian alumnus Steve Jacklin
  • Mario Grossi
  • Pioneer Construction
  • Fisher Wavy
  • Milman Industries
  • Stephane and Michelle Clouthier

"I really want to thank all of the businesses and individuals that ensured our Giving Tuesday was a success," Brathwaite said. "We have an amazing community of former graduates and business leaders who are truly making a difference this year. We’re fortunate to have them as part of the Cambrian family."