MBA students raise record funds for child development centre

Vancouver Island University students raised a record amount of money for the Child Development Centre (CDC) during the recent Silly Boat Regatta in Nanaimo.

Student volunteers from VIU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program raised $12,700, far surpassing last year’s effort of $5,000.

“Incredible,” said Dino Tsembelis of the CDC. “The 40-plus student volunteers were amazing. We are so grateful for their hard work, effort and dedication. So many stepped up to help.”

The Silly Boat Regatta raised $100,000 this year, slightly down from 2009, but VIU’s contribution was significant, said Tsembelis. “The MBA students brought in over 10 percent of all funds raised,” he said. “That’s impressive.”

MBA students expanded on fundraising ideas from last year. They organized a second stage—the Van Isle Septic Pavilion—and multiple booths offered a variety of services. Students roamed through the crowds selling food, water, raffle tickets, silent auction items and other fun services like face-painting and a dunk tank to raise funds for the CDC.

“In large part due to the sponsorship by Van Isle Septic, we were able to establish a new VIU MBA record for fundraising,” said MBA student volunteer Jordan Butler.

David Woodward, MBA Internship Coordinator, said the Silly Boat Regatta the perfect event to bring MBA students together, create a sense of belonging and allow them to make a positive difference in the community.

“An event like this is excellent practice for MBA students,” said Woodward. “Many of them hope to become entrepreneurs one day, so this community friendly event gives them a chance to explore their creative, entrepreneurial and innovative potential. It gives students a great feeling to know they can practise their skills, have fun and support the community at the same time.”

VIU’s dual degree MBA program is unique in Canada. Students earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from VIU and a Master in Science in International Business (MScIB) from the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom at the same time. With credentials from two continents, this intensive 14-month program prepares graduates with the support and skills they need to apply for management positions in North America and beyond.

VIU has over 450 MBA graduates working around the world. Last year’s pool of graduates represented 21 countries including Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Russia, Taiwan, Trinidad/Tobago and Turkey.

To find out more about the MBA program, visit www.viu.ca/mba