First-year nursing students in Williams Lake had an extra reason to get excited on the first day of classes when they were welcomed to campus with nursing kits — made possible because of donor support.
“As a new nursing student at TRU, I feel very cared for, knowing that I live in a community where donors are generous enough to provide essential equipment in order for me to learn,” said first-year student Faith Dueck.
“It can be difficult to afford school supplies, alongside everyday purchases, especially in the current time where everything is quite expensive. It is very reassuring to know that the community cares and will do what they can to help new students achieve their education, so that we can later on care for our communities.”
Nursing students, left to right, Faith Dueck and Kayleigh Jacobson with their lab kits.
The lab kits were made possible through the TRU Day of Giving fundraising campaign in 2023, in which the Williams Lake and District Credit Union (WLDCU) generously donated $5,000 to cover the cost of the lab kits for this year’s first-year nursing students. Each kit consists of a stethoscope, scissors, a pen light and blood pressure cuffs.
“We have a long history of supporting the health care needs of our communities and felt this would be a great way to continue our support,” said WLDCU CEO Jim Zimmerman.
“Access to health care in our rural communities has been a challenge for many years. We’ve recognized that and have invested ourselves in being part of the solution and, of course, we’d encourage all members of the business community to do what they can.”
Nursing student Kayleigh Jacobson said knowing people in the community are by her side makes her more motivated to chase her dreams of becoming a nurse.
“The feeling of having this support is so encouraging and fulfilling,” said Jacobson. “The more people that help us students, the move motivated I am to help others.”
A $1-million endowment campaign is underway in Williams Lake aimed at making education more affordable for students in the community. Find out more about the fund.
TRU’s Day of Giving takes place every year at the end of February.
