You can’t see the forest for the trees is an English idiom that means that a problem or issue is so large and complex that you just get lost in it. You can’t find your way out of the forest because you can’t see any landmarks – there are only trees!
Stellenbosch University’s Annual Fund, Bridge the Gap, enables our student community, staff, alumni, parents and friends to support our students in the things that are making their lives undeniably difficult. Our aim is to close the gap between talent and financial need, something we all care about. You can make an immediate, tangible difference in the lives of Stellenbosch University students by giving to the Annual Fund, Bridge the Gap.
We know that you’re probably tired of hearing this – but Covid-19 has made our students’ situations so much worse – retrenched parents, fewer part-time student jobs, NSFAS realignment and defunding, reduced corporate social investment funds to go around, greater food insecurity nationally, and pressure. This pressure means that our students’ mental health, wellness and confidence about the future have plummeted.
And that takes us back to the overwhelming forest of problems – problems that Bridge the Gap strives to overcome. That’s where your residence or PSO comes in. We need you to tell our whole Stellenbosch University community that together we are working to create light and landmarks in the forest of problems. The decorating of Bridge the Gap trees signposts that the Bridge the Gap fundraising campaign has started.
On Wednesday evening from 5 pm, your most creative team is invited to decorate your assigned tree. These can be found between Irene and Dagbreek. We will install fairy lights and provide maroon wrap; the rest is up to you. Your decorated tree will shine out like a beacon all through our Giving Day activities. Remember to bring a ladder, and remember the bling – there can be no limit to your brilliant, happy tree.
Of course, there are prizes for your creativity. But, mostly, we need you to show how much you care.
Boxes for donations of non-perishable food and toiletries can be collected from the Development & Alumni Relations offices in Admin B (Level 3) on Wednesday. E-mail bridgethegap@sun.ac.za with your queries or send a DM to BridgeTheGapSU on Instagram.
Giving Day includes a number of elements of Stellenbosch University’s community commitment and gees about Bridge the Gap – a five-a-side soccer tournament, speed tennis, and a movie marathon. And then there’s more – a virtual Comedy Night and a hike up Table Mountain with Prof Thuli in October for #Action4Inclusion, along with the Cape Town Cycle Tour 2021 fundraisers for #Move4Food, etc. Visit our campaign section for more information on the Bridge The Gap campaign.
