Festival of Trees raises a record $106,000 for Malaspina

The Malaspina Foundation’s Keys to Success campaign supporting student scholarships, awards and bursaries got a huge financial boost at the 11th annual Business Breakfast Wednesday.

Over 250 community and business leaders who attended this year’s sold-out event were told that the 2006 Festival of Trees - the Foundation’s biggest fundraiser - raised a record $106,000 for Malaspina University-College. Of that, $50,000 will go towards the Keys to Success campaign, which provides much-needed financial support for deserving students. The money will match pledges of $500 or more per year over three years from local businesses or individuals to support student scholarships, awards and bursaries.

“This is one of the ways we can make education more affordable and accessible so that more adults can pursue post-secondary studies,” said Malaspina President Dr. Ralph Nilson. “We’re exceptionally grateful to the community for supporting events such as the Festival of Trees, and for providing continued financial support to our students.”

The Malaspina Foundation currently manages over 598 student awards. "But considering that there are over 10,000 students enrolled at Malaspina, we have quite a way to go," said Ron Forster, a Malaspina Foundation Director who leades the Keys to Success campaign. "Every year, there are more students who qualify for recognition or financial aid than there are funds available. That's our  ongoing project - to encourage students who are doing well, and to support students who have financial challenges that could prevent them finishing their programs."

Last year, the Keys To Success campaign provided 38 new pledges for students. “This year, we hope to do even better,” Forster added.

Immediately following the Business Breakfast, Newcastle Engineering, The Mortgage Centre, A-Channel News, Atlas Truss, Sharon Althouse Notary Public, and land developer Paul Manhas all pledged new awards for students. Each award will be matched.

Three students, including Douglas Beech, Terri Zolob and Dylan Sharpe, described the impact of receiving scholarships and awards through the Malaspina Foundation.

Beech, originally from Victoria, who graduates in June with a Bachelor of Business Administration, said receiving scholarships changed his life. The awards motivated him to work harder, and meant that he could devote full attention to his studies during his third and fourth years.

Dylan Sharpe of Courtenay, who is studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree, said a $1,000 scholarship from the Kiwanis Club of Nanaimo allowed him to double his course load at Malaspina.

Major sponsors of this year’s Business Breakfast included Herold Engineering, Sharon Althouse Notary Public, and North Douglas Sysco.