Plans are ramping up for the 2026 YURA Challenge Fundraising Walk which will take place on the Keele campus on Tuesday October 6, 2026 (with a rain date of Thursday, October 8, 2026). YURA members will again be walking 5 km, making personal donations and seeking contributions from others – all in support of acquiring additional “study pods” for the University’s libraries that will benefit York students.
About “Study Pods”
These self-contained soundproof booths offer students privacy, comfort, and power outlets and they can make a real and lasting difference in their success. The pods are also ideal for virtual classes, online or oral exams, job interviews, mentorship calls and for students with sensory stimulation concerns.
Through its collaboration with the University’s Libraries, YURA is hopeful that York students can enjoy the same advantages as their peers at U of T and McGill, where study pods have already been introduced and are in high demand.
YURA Donated $30,000 to Purchase Two Study Pods
In 2025, the first year of our campaign to raise funds for six Study Pods, almost $19,000 was raised in the annual YURA Challenge fundraiser. Facing a cost of $15,000 for each study pod, the YURA Executive Committee decided at calendar year-end to donate an additional $11,000 from its accumulated surplus funds so that a total of $30,000 would be available for the University Libraries to move forward with the acquisition of two study pods. With the acquisition of the two study pods, we are well on our way to our goal of funding a total of six study pods. When installed, each pod will bear an inscription proudly acknowledging YURA’s role.
The Goal for 2026
Initially, YURA had established a goal of $15,000 to fund a third study pod. An extra incentive was created when an anonymous donor offered a $5,000 gift to top-up the $15,000 if YURA members could achieve this goal. Our YURA Challenge fundraising team then reached out to all YURA members to seek sponsorships for the team of YURA members doing the 5 km walk. By early September, the $15,000 was achieved and topped up with the $5,000. Once the $20,000 was in hand, the anonymous donor then offered a further $5,000 if YURA members could raise another $5,000. By September 25th, the additional $5,000 was raised, so with the second $5,000 top-up, there is now $30,000 for the University Libraries to acquire two additional study pods! All thanks to the generosity of YURA members, friends, family and former co-workers and colleagues -- and, of course, the magnanimity of our anonymous donor.
How Can YURA Members Help?
There is still an opportunity to contribute to the Study Pods initiative with funds donated being earmarked for the acquisition of a fifth study pod. In 2025, YURA had committed to raised funds over a three-year period to acquire a total of six study pods, so donations made will help YURA achieve this goal and bolster YURA's efforts to support students. Click here to donate
YURA members are welcome to join us for the 5 km walk on the Keele campus on Tuesday, October 6th. Please e-mail the YURA Office at yura@yorku.ca if you would like to take part in the walk.
Through this innovative initiative in the Libraries, YURA members continue their tradition of “giving back” to the University and supporting student success.
Participants in the 2025 YURA Challenge Walk
Click here to view more pics from the 2025 walk