Dear UCT Alum,

I know your inbox is overflowing with messages, requests, and appeals—so I’m going do things a little differently.

 First, let me share some incredible news! In 2024, our Canadian alumni and friends contributed OVER CAD 550,000 towards the following initiatives:

This is MAJOR! 🥳 Thank you, for your continued generosity folks! The support you provide towards these projects is life-changing, and such generosity within our alumni community continues to fuel them. 

I too am evidence of the power of generosity.

My UCT undergraduate degree and expenses were funded entirely by an older sibling. Their selflessness gave me the opportunity to earn a degree from a prestigious university, equipping me with skills to compete globally which has opened doors for me both professionally and personally. 

But not everyone has older siblings or relatives to support them on this journey. Some students rely on the kindness of strangers—and they are beacons of hope in their families and communities. Your contribution can make all the difference.

As a small gesture of my own commitment, I am pledging CAD 10 monthly towards the SADC Hardship Fund, to support students from the southern African region who face significant challenges. If you’re also inspired, I invite you to join me—every contribution, no matter the size, has an impact. For more options on ways to give, visit https://www.uctcanada.ca/donate/.

Generosity isn’t only financial. It’s about opening doors, your heart, sharing wisdom, and building connections. This is why I’m reaching out to you as a community member to:

*Support and connect with alumni who are newcomers and young professionals in Canada.
*Mentor and advise final year students and recent graduates from UCT.
*Create and share opportunities in your professional and personal spaces with the wider alumni network in Canada.
*Be a friend or educator to someone who could use guidance.
 

As the late Desmond Tutu once said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

If you’d like to join me in creating these ripples of impact, reach out directly—I’d love to hear from you! Together, we can keep building a generous and connected alumni community.
 

With gratitude and warm regards,

Samantha 'Sam' Mandigora

Regional Director, UCT Alumni Office (Canada)
sam.mandigora@uctcanada.ca | info@uctcanada.ca  | 437 577 2648