When UBC Okanagan opened its doors in 2005, Anna Hunt-Binkley and Manse Binkley were among the university’s first supporters, helping lay the groundwork for student success by establishing one of its earliest endowed funds. Nearly 20 years later, the A.W. Hunt QC Student Emergency Assistance Endowment Fund has helped 135 students navigate everything from wildfire evacuations to housing crises, transportation emergencies and the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Anna and Manse learned that UBC would be expanding to the Okanagan, they were excited to support students in the region. As they considered how they wanted to give, their thoughts turned to Anna’s father, who had passed away just before UBC Okanagan opened.

At a young age, when his brother left to serve in WWII, Anna’s father was required to quit school to help run the family farm in Saskatchewan. Years later, with a wife and child, and a health condition that affected his ability to continue to work on the farm, he pursued a major career change and enrolled in law school at the University of Manitoba. During the academic year, the family would live in Winnipeg while he completed his studies and his wife, Laura, worked fulltime as a nurse. Each summer, they would return to the family farm for the grain farming season.

“Some people would think about this as being a tough time,” says Anna, “but for us it was really a very special time. Moving back and forth from Winnipeg to Saskatchewan every spring and fall—along with tight finances and two children—was not easy. However, my parents were working towards a common goal and it was a time filled with love and happiness.”

Her father’s education opened the door to a long and successful legal career. Anna recalls his strong work ethic and how grateful he was for the opportunities he had, his health and a supportive family. Even though he had experienced tough times, he was always looking to help those who were not as fortunate.

That philosophy helped shape the creation of the student emergency fund.

“People will always run into difficulties in life,” says Anna. “Whether it’s the loss of a job, having to take care of a family member, or other unforeseen challenges. In the 20 years since Manse and I established the fund, we’ve seen these things come up for students, and helping them overcome them so they can continue with their studies is a meaningful tribute to my dad.”

When they made their gift, Anna and Manse decided to establish the fund as an endowment, ensuring lasting support for generations of students. When the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in urgent need, they responded again, making an additional contribution matched through UBC Okanagan’s Aspire Fund, providing a boost at a time when many students were struggling.

Dale Mullings, Associate Vice-Presidents, Students at UBC Okanagan, says emergency funding can make the difference between students staying in school and stepping away.

“Anna and Manse were true leaders in recognizing the importance of emergency student funding early on. Their commitment has helped build a more responsive, supportive university community, where students facing unanticipated challenges can feel supported. They can get help when and how they need it most. This can be the lifeline to their academic success.”

Anna’s dedication to helping others in crisis reaches beyond UBC Okanagan. For more than 14 years, she has been an active member and past National Co-chair of the Canadian Red Cross Tiffany Circle, a global network of women who advance the Red Cross mission through leadership and philanthropy.

“Working with the Red Cross gives you a global sense of what is going on in the world,” she says. “Whether it’s someone being evacuated with only a backpack because of a fire, flood or conflict—these people need help, and the Red Cross provides this help. I really value being a part of this.”

At UBC Okanagan, that same spirit of care and responsiveness continues through the fund that bears her father’s name.

“Every student has their own story,” says Anna. “Each thank-you message we’ve received has shown us just how personal and unique each situation is. It’s been incredibly meaningful to know we’ve been able to help so many students through a difficult time in their lives.”