Thrifty Foods and VIU team up to support students

Thrifty Foods is partnering with Vancouver Island University to provide financial support to students.
 
A new fundraising campaign with Thrifty Foods as the lead sponsor was unveiled this week at VIU’s 13th annual Business Breakfast.
 
The new initiative, called DOUBLE UP, will see Thrifty Foods match funds raised by VIU faculty, staff and students for scholarships, awards, bursaries and student projects.
 
“Right now, our internal ‘family’, including students, staff and faculty at VIU, raise about $14,000 annually for this purpose,” said Susie Caswell, Development Manager for Vancouver Island University Foundation.  “Our goal is to increase internal fundraising to $20,500. If we are successful, Thrifty Foods will provide matching funds, dollar for dollar. That means we could potentially end up with $41,000 available to provide financial assistance to students every year.”
 
“On behalf of Thrifty Foods I am especially pleased that we are able to help generate financial support for students,” said Thrifty Foods CEO Milford Sorensen.  “By matching the amounts raised through other traditional channels, I'm optimistic we may be able to act as a catalyst in attracting even more funding to help students at a critically important time in the pursuit of their education,” he added.

Caswell said VIU is grateful for the financial support from Thrifty Foods.
 
“Thrifty Foods has been a strong supporter of VIU’s Festival of Trees for years,” said Caswell, “and we’re extremely pleased to be working with them on this exciting new initiative. Thrifty Foods demonstrates good corporate citizenship. The true beneficiaries of this new program will be students.”
 
Over 250 local business leaders attended the VIU Foundation’s Business Breakfast. Foundation Chair George Hrabowych said support from the business community and fundraising efforts by the Foundation go a long way to making post-secondary education more affordable and accessible for students.
 
“Students need our financial support more than ever, particularly in today’s economic climate,” said Hrabowych. “Every year, there are more students who qualify for recognition or financial aid than there are funds available.”
 
Caswell said the goal for 2009 is to increase the number and value of scholarships, awards and bursaries for students.

For more information about how you can contribute to the VIU Foundation’s annual giving campaign, contact Susie Caswell at (250) 740-6216.