June 27, 2008 - 3:31am
The memory of a “great lady” who had a lifelong passion for animals will live on forever thanks to a new $31,000 endowment fund established by Vancouver Island University Foundation.
Interest generated by the Diane Caillet Memorial Award endowment fund will create an annual cash award of $1,000 for a VIU student pursuing a career involving animals.
Diane, a long-time and well-loved Nanaimo resident who operated Sheepy Hollow Farm, passed away in May 2007 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Her family and close friends, including members of Rotary Club of Nanaimo Oceanside, rallied over the past year to raise funds for a permanent endowment fund in her name.
“Diane was a strong, active member of our club and truly a special person,” said Fred Kolodrubsky, a personal friend and member of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo Oceanside. “She was a key piece of the fabric of everything we did. Our club wanted some way to recognize her contribution.”
Diane's husband, Stephen Wilson, purchased an endowment fund at VIU's Festival of Trees auction, which he set up in his wife's name. The Foundation added to his contribution to create an endowment of $15,000.
Stephen also worked with Tom Lee Music to provide two baby grand pianos which were auctioned – one at the Rotary Club’s annual golf tournament, and the other at the Festival of Trees Gala. The net proceeds from the two piano auctions went towards the new endowment fund, bringing the endowment to $31,000.
“The Foundation is extremely pleased to help create this new permanent endowment fund in Diane Caillet’s name,” said Roger Prior, Executive Director of the Foundation. “We’re grateful for the support of the Rotary Club, the Wilson family and Tom Lee Music. It’s through this kind of community support that VIU students reap the financial benefits to support their education.”
Kolodrubsky said it’s fitting the new award will support a student with a passion for animals “because that’s exactly what Diane would have liked.
“Di was a native of Nanaimo, growing up on the shores of Brannen Lake, and was always involved in agriculture,” he said. “Her family ran Black Jack Farm, then in her own endeavors with Stephen, she raised prize winning sheep, as well as chickens, geese and llamas at Sheepy Hollow Farm. You name it, she raised it. This award would have been close to her heart.”
The Wilson family always had – and still has - a close affiliation with VIU (formerly Malaspina University-College), Kolodrubsky added. “Together, Diane and Stephen were always involved in the Festival of Trees behind the scenes as dedicated volunteers,” he said. “Whether it was helping with decorating or the silent auction, they were always there ready to lend a hand, and Stephen still is.”
Diane and Stephen’s daughter Michelle recently completed her first year of the Bachelor of Music program at VIU. Michelle and her sister Janine will present the first annual award in honour of their mother to a deserving student in April 2009. “It’s pretty clear VIU will remain a big part of this family’s community,” said Kolodrubsky.
The VIU Foundation is the charitable arm of the university, and manages 760 annual and endowment funds provided by donors to benefit students. For information on how to set up a permanent endowment fund in memory of a loved one, call the VIU Foundation at (250) 740-6213.
Tags: In the Community
