HLSCC launches Giving Tuesday campaign to strengthen community support

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has launched its first-ever Giving Tuesday campaign, an initiative to increase donor participation and support the institution’s future growth. 

In an interview with JTV, HLSCC President Dr Richard Georges said the campaign seeks to build a network of 3,500 donors.

“Whatever the value of the gift may be, we are aiming to build a community of givers, of friends, to support the legacy of H. Lavity Stout,” he stated. 

Giving Tuesday, a global movement encouraging charitable donations, has been adopted by HLSCC to structure its fundraising efforts. Dr Georges explained that the idea is rooted in the college’s history, dating back to its establishment when the late Chief Minister H. Lavity Stoutt relied on community support to get the institution off the ground. “It’s always been part of the college’s legacy that we’ve relied on the community, we’ve relied on donors and gift-giving to continue the mission of the institution,” he said. 

The campaign will focus on three main categories: student support and programmes, community and the arts, and infrastructural development. Dr Georges cited an example of the first category: “We had a press conference earlier for the James J. Harris Accounting Scholarship in James Harris’s memory. That would be an example of the Rotary Club of Central Tortola providing a gift to programmes and student support.” 

The second category, community and the arts, will benefit initiatives such as the annual BVI Literary Festival. “You would know, obviously, every year we have the Lit Fest. That is something that is primarily organised through fundraised money to a number of donors,” he said. 

Dr Georges outlined ambitious infrastructure plans, including a technical training centre, an athletic centre with a competition pool, and a maritime safety training facility. “We have a number of designs and projects, one of them being an athletic centre with a competition pool, which we’ve been talking about,” he said. Other plans include dormitories to accommodate students from Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, as well as international students. 

Dr Georges stressed that the campaign is not about targeting large donors but encouraging broad participation. “It doesn’t have to be a big company or foundation or some entity with money. It could be me and you, or graduating students, because any amount can be given,” he said. He noted that one suggested contribution is $19.90, representing the year HLSCC was established. 

Donations can be made through the college’s website, with options for one-time or recurring contributions. “On Giving Tuesday, the college will highlight gifts that are being made, pledges that are being made, and opportunities to give to the institution,” Dr Georges explained. However, he added that contributions are welcome at any time: “It doesn’t mean you can’t give at any point. You give Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.” 

HLSCC has outlined a five-year fundraising strategy as part of its broader efforts to expand and enhance the institution. “Considering the challenges in public finance, one of the ways that we can work towards that is fundraising in this manner,” Dr Georges stated. 

Potential donors can visit hlcc.edu.vg and navigate to the ‘Give’ section for more information on how to support the college’s development.