![\"Third-year](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Taylor-Hanson-Brock-University-Photo.jpg\")
<\/a>Third-year Kinesiology student Taylor Hanson shares her perspective on the importance of philanthropy and the impact of giving in recognition of National Philanthropy Day.<\/p><\/div>\n
Across campus, donor support helps students access opportunities that enrich their university experience. Through scholarships, bursaries, experiential learning, wellness and food security initiatives, philanthropy helps students overcome barriers and focus on their education.<\/p>\n
For Hanson, a third-year Bachelor of Kinesiology student, receiving the Jane Arkell Memorial Award helped ease the transition to university.<\/p>\n
“I was able to devote the necessary time required to successfully complete my undergraduate studies while partaking in meaningful volunteer and experiential learning opportunities,” she says.<\/p>\n
Hanson is accomplished student-athlete and advocate for para athletes. She earned a silver medal with the 2022 Canadian Women’s National Para Ice Hockey Team and has held leadership roles with Women’s Para Hockey of Canada, the Global Collective for Women’s Para Ice Hockey and Active Abilities Canada.<\/p>\n
Established in honour of disability inclusion advocate Jane Arkell, the Jane Arkell Memorial Award recognizes students committed to creating more inclusive communities.<\/p>\n
“I hope the award provides Taylor, and others after her, with some recognition of their efforts and motivation to continue in a sector that is sometimes frustrating and slow to see change but always worthwhile and rewarding,” says Christa Costas, Executive Director of Active Abilities Canada.<\/p>\n
Active Abilities Canada established the Jane Arkell Memorial Award to honour the legacy of its founding Executive Director who dedicated 35 years to advancing disability inclusion in physical activity, recreation and sport. Costas hopes support such as the Jane Arkell Memorial Award will inspire future leaders to continue creating positive change, champion inclusion and ensure opportunities are available for all.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need leaders to be relentless in their quest to ensure that no one is left behind and to believe that every person is worthy of dignity and to live life in a meaningful way,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Every philanthropic gift, regardless of size or designation, helps create opportunities for Brock students. Whether supporting scholarships and bursaries, student wellness, food security, research or experiential learning, donor generosity helps students overcome barriers, pursue their ambitions and make a meaningful impact in their communities.<\/p>\n