Alumni Giving
Cape Breton University’s alumni community is proving that their connection to CBU goes beyond graduation. Two locally-owned businesses, CB Beard Factory and This is Sundays, recently stepped up to support the Nancy Dingwall Centre for Health and Counselling through creative fundraising initiatives. Both founded by proud CBU alumni, these businesses have demonstrated that giving back is not just a gesture—it’s a commitment to supporting student wellness and mental health.
The Nancy Dingwall Centre plays a critical role on campus, offering essential health and counselling services to CBU students. With mental health and wellness becoming increasingly important in today’s world, the Centre has become a vital resource for the university community. It’s this mission that inspired CB Beard and This is Sundays to take action.
CB Beard Factory, a local brand that celebrates Cape Breton’s culture through its products and community initiatives, organized a campaign donating 100 % of all proceeds in the month of November to the Nancy Dingwall Centre. “As a CBU graduate, I’ve always valued the sense of community the university fosters,” said Tyler MacIntyre, founder of CB Beard Factory. “Supporting the Nancy Dingwall Centre is our way of supporting the well-being of CBU students and making sure they have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
Tyler credits his success to the skills and knowledge he gained through his Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) degree at CBU. The program is known for its flexibility and wide range of opportunities for academic specialization, applied learning, and highly focused degrees in various areas of study. Through the program, Tyler was empowered to work within his community to identify and address local issues. The program’s emphasis on building community partnerships has directly influenced his approach to supporting initiatives like the Nancy Dingwall Centre.
Meanwhile, This is Sundays, a wellness and aesthetic clinic specializing in advanced skincare and rejuvenation treatments, gave $50 from all services rendered on December 20th, 2024 to the Nancy Dingwall Centre. Offering a host of wellness treatments, the business is dedicated to promoting self-care and confidence. “CBU shaped who I am today,” shared Mikayla Peck, co-owner of This is Sundays. “Giving back to a place that gave me so much is an honour.”
Co-owners Mikayla Peck and Lauren March both studied nursing at CBU, and it’s their education and experiences on campus that helped shape their careers and business. Mikayla, who is currently pursuing further education to become a nurse practitioner, gained valuable insights during a placement at the Nancy Dingwall Centre, where she saw firsthand the need for accessible health and wellness services for students.
The efforts of these two businesses show the impact alumni can have when they offer their talents and resources toward meaningful causes. Beyond providing support for the Nancy Dingwall Centre they also brought important attention to the services the centre offers students and employees alike.
CBU alumni are making a difference, both in their communities and for future generations of students.