Final result Saxion for Ukraine: 31.885,23 (but also a month of support)

In the past month, we as SaxNow transformed ourselves into fundraisers. Optimistic fundraisers, that is. When it was announced that Saxion reduced the tuition rate for Ukrainian students to the regular EU rate, we thought optimistically; maybe we can do more. We will collect the rest of the tuition fee for them as well. Over 160,000 euros was the goal. An astronomical sum, especially since we are journalists, who can write a piece, but usually stay far away from the big money.

We had figured out a way to deal with this: we would do it together - with you - as the Saxion community. We could not do this alone. So we called on your help; help us raise money for the Ukrainian students. Earlier we had observed with our own eyes and ears that the war brought numerous worries for them, one of which was paying their tuition fees. We wanted to eliminate those.

Family

As we wrote then: we think Saxion is a close-knit community, almost a family. And what does a family do if someone gets into trouble without being to blame? It comes to the rescue. And that is exactly what we wanted to encourage and support with SaxNow.

And we have known it. In the past few months we have regularly been driven to the edge of our seats by tension. Sometimes a lead led to nothing, but much more often we were surprised by an initiative from colleagues or from the business world.

We won't mention everyone here, just so we don't forget anyone, but it was a month full of highlights, from a sponsored run, to a podcast, a work of art and to 'spijkerpoepen'.  Actions from small to large, from academies to individuals, exactly as we had envisioned it at the beginning of June. In doing so, Saxion proved to us that it is not just a place to learn, but really that close-knit family.

Substantial

All these actions of yours raised an incredible amount of money: 31,885.23 euros. By far not the astronomical 160,000 euros we were aiming for, but divided over the 73 students who are currently enrolled it is still a wonderful, substantial amount.

But that amount is not the most important thing this action brought in. It really isn't. During the past month, we really got to know the Ukrainian community at Saxion. Where we wrote about them before, we now worked with Anna, Ruslana, Sofia and Anastasia. The resilience, creativity and work ethic they showed in the process were unforgettable, as was the fun we had together.

In the darker moments of the action (and there were some), we found energy in their optimism, their gratitude, but especially in the pride they have in their school. After we made a giant drawing together on the glass facade, we saw on Ruslana's Instagram, "This is why I love my school."

Supported and safe

As welcome as the financial support was, for them this action was from the start not about the money. No one can tell that better than Anna, who studies Fashion & Textile Technologies, and gave a wonderful speech at our closing event yesterday.

In it she thanked all of Saxion for the past month, but also for the support she has already received from staff, other students and the school. "Although raising money was central to this action, for me personally the moral, mental support was the most important. I felt not forgotten, heard and understood. Thank you for allowing me to feel supported and safe during this time."