KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University’s first-ever sponsored refugee students have been selected by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) – TRU Local Committee (WUSC-TRU LC).

The Student Refugee Sponsorship Program (SRSP) is a student-driven initiative, with the TRU chapter formed two years ago. Since then, the group has sent students overseas to Africa on six-week cultural experiences, and was featured in Canadian Living magazine and national newspapers regarding this sponsorship. This is the first time the group has sponsored refugee students.

Student sponsorship is one of the ways WUSC helps students around the world resume their education in order to become global citizens. For more information about WUSC and its programs visit www.wusc.ca

The two students WUSC-TRU LC have selected for sponsorship are from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. They are both male students and are expected to arrive at TRU sometime in September 2005.

Part of the SRSP requires providing one year’s mandatory financial support for the sponsored students. WUSC-TRU LC’s sponsorship is estimated to cost approximately $32,000 for both students.

To help with this expense, WUSC-TRU LC will host a fundraiser at Robbie’s Downtown on Monday, June 6th. Tickets are $12.00, with participants offered a choice of chicken, steak or salmon, which comes with a baked potato and Caesar salad. There will be a silent auction as well.

Those who cannot attend the fundraising dinner may make a donation to WUSC-TRU LC directly to account number 0720 8302-261 at the Bank of Montreal

For more information, please contact Bronwen Scott by phone at 250-828-5739 or email.