Who: Twin brothers, Greg and Don Garrish
Occupation:
Greg Garrish retired from the Wildfire Management Branch in Kamloops just over a year ago after 31 years and still maintains his professional Registered Forest Technologist accreditation with Association of BC Forest Professionals. He has been fortunate to have a great career in the Kamloops area. Greg sits on the TRU Foundation Board and holds the secretary position and also sits on the Dog Therapy program executive.
Don Garrish retired from the City of Kamloops Development Services department six months ago after 34 years. His career in the Development Services Department, mostly within the business licensing section saw him travel Canada working with Industry Canada and provinces facilitating other communities across Canada develop the BizPAP national web based computer application program. As part of this team he received the Government of Canada Innovation Award of Excellence. His team was also nominated for recognition to the United Nations for their work. In addition, Don sits on the Venture Kamloops Economic Development Agency Venture Advisors board, Dog Therapy executive and the Kamloops Camera Club board.
Bio:
The Garrish brothers were born and raised in Kamloops, B.C. and have both recently retired.
Upon retirement, both Greg and Don took on volunteering with their Saint John Ambulance certified therapy dogs (Saylor and Tenor) at Royal Inland Hospital, senior facilities in the Kamloops area and the Kamloops Law Courts. You may even see them at TRU Hug a puppy program on Thursdays. Both are avid winter enthusiasts skiing, x-country skiing, and snowshoeing while summers are at the Shuswap cabin.
They continue to focus on giving back to TRU and have been providing two awards a year to students in the Nursing Program for over 16 years.
Connection to TRU?
Both men are alumni of TRU in the social sciences and geography programs with a Management Skills Certificate, and numerous other course and classes throughout each of their careers.
Why they give?
Giving back to TRU just fit with their family history! Being recipients of scholarships and awards while furthering our post-secondary education made them aware of the impact giving can have on a students life. It was the “right” time to start giving back when they did… over 16 years ago. They are also very proud of TRU and the significant positive impacts it has brought to Kamloops.
Why is giving back important to you?
Education and skill development is the key to success in any career path during all phases of your life.
By building mentoring relationships with their award recipients they were able to see the successes and changes in people’s lives as they mature and move into their career while working in the community. They’ve been lucky to continue to keep in contact with many of our students as they get jobs, have families, purchase homes and get dogs!
