Thompson Rivers University Foundation is awarding close to $600,000 to 610 students from Kamloops, 100 Mile House, 150 Mile House, Cache Creek, Barriere, Clearwater and many other communities in TRU’s region.

The funds distributed at Monday’s award reception came from the generosity of community donors who have established 450 annual and endowment funds with the Foundation. Funds are also raised through events like the Foundation’s annual Gala dinner and dance and Golf Tournament.

These awards, plus other awards provided by Foundation donors that are given out in the winter and spring, will bring the grand total awarded to TRU students from all sources in the 2008/09 academic year, to an estimated $1.9 million.

“The Foundation is able to award funds to 157 more students this year due to the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors,” said John O’Fee, TRU Foundation Chair. “These awards are what the Foundation works for all year for, to be able to provide students with financial assistance to help them achieve their educational goals.”

The increase is due to new annual awards and endowment funds established by donors who may earmark their gifts for students in specific programs, or give to the Foundation’s unrestricted fund.

“It’s been amazing to see the community come together to support our students,” Christopher Seguin, TRU Vice-President Advancement said. “I am so proud that we’ve been able to expand our gifts to students during these challenging economic times.”

TRU’s LIbrary stepped up with their own unique fundraising initiative for student awards. For the past year, the TRU library staff have been collecting (and washing!) empty pop cans and bottles, contributing $2 on jeans Fridays, and organizing and shopping at their December silent auction and have been able to raise money and make a difference to a TRU student. “It was so gratifying this afternoon to be able to give a cheque for $1000 to a TRU student from the library staff,” Nancy Levesque, University Library Director enthused in an email sent out to staff. She challenged other departments to “consider fun(d)-raising to benefit students….For us, we’re already working on next year’s bursary!”

The TRU Foundation’s 50 volunteer members have now raised over $8.3 million in endowment funds, and raised over $1.3 million last year to support student awards, program needs and special projects at TRU.

It’s easy to make a difference to a student’s success, call 250.828.5264 or visit the website at www.tru.ca/foundation. Contact the Foundation today to find out more about creating a student award fund or to establish a planned gift or legacy to Thompson Rivers University.

Contact: Christopher Seguin, Vice-President Advancement, 250.852.6357,