Give where you live

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/kencruikshank.jpg” caption=”As part of his philanthropic habits, Ken Cruikshank, associate professor of history, supports local social, cultural and environmental organizations. File photo.”]Ken Cruikshank has a simple explanation for his philanthropic habits: you give
where you live.
As part of his strategy of giving, Cruikshank supports local social, cultural and
environmental organizations. “And I give to McMaster to support educational
opportunities,” he said.
Cruikshank has worked at McMaster since 1993 and previously served as chair of the
history department. In that role, he witnessed first-hand the impact donors have had on
the student experience at the University.
“A few years ago, the department reconfigured our undergraduate curriculum and part
of that was made possible by a grant from a major donor, which allowed us to hire
graduate students to support faculty members,” he said. “Without that support, it would
have been a more difficult process – it would have taken longer and we would have had
to make do with less consultation with our undergraduate students.”
His department, like many at the University, has also benefitted from donor support for
program-specific scholarships and bursaries, graduate travel for research and
conferences, and book and technology acquisitions.
“Donations allow us to recognize and reward people for doing well,” he said of the many
gifts made by donors to support students.
McMaster has more than 10,000 annual donors whose financial gifts have a positive
impact across campus, whether it's new facilities, equipment, teaching tools or student
awards.
Not only a McMaster University donor, Cruikshank is also the co-chair of McMaster's
2011 United Way workplace campaign and has served on the committee for several
years.
“Giving is giving,” he said. “We give to the place where we work and where we live, in
many ways, and that's why I support McMaster and local community organizations like
the United Way.”
November 15 marks National Philanthropy Day in Canada, a day to celebrate the impact
of philanthropic giving, volunteerism and social engagement on all aspects of life in
Canada.
McMaster Philanthropy Week runs Nov. 14 to 18 and recognizes donors and celebrates
the University's generous campus community members.
Click here to find out more about the impact of McMaster donors.