Laura Dewar of the 70 Mile House area has just received an education grant from the newly created 70 Mile House and Area Community Fund committee, chaired by 70 Mile House resident Gail Moseley.
For the past year, this local committee has been working with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and their TNRD Director Sally Watson to create this fund meant to assist deserving local citizens in self-improvement. This committee is also approaching the Northern Development Trust Initiative for dollar matching of the fund, which currently is in excess of $5,000, now being held by the TNRD in trust.
Funds have been raised by individual donations, grants from the TNRD, and the local Designated Driver Initiative supported by Director Watson in conjunction with local citizens.
“This fund is yet another excellent community enhancement initiative,” says Robin Rusaw, one of the committee members.
“It will help those folks who want to move forward and require the funds to assist them.”
Says Gail: “We are thrilled the first person to receive this award is Laura. [She] is a hard working volunteer in the 70 Mile House-Green/Watch/Pressy lakes areas. She also serves as the community coroner for this region.”
Laura is presently working toward achieving a PhD at Simon Fraser University (SFU). She is studying the most advanced DNA technology in Canada, through the Genome Sciences Centre in Vancouver, focusing on finding causes of Sudden Unexpected Death, especially in the young.
To undertake this advanced education, Laura has to drive back and forth to SFU several times each month. Travel costs are a substantial financial burden, and this grant will help defray these expenses.
Those wishing to contribute to this fund may do so at the 70 Mile General Store or directly to The Kamloops Foundation initiated by the TNRD. Cheques should be made out to the Kamloops Foundation, but should also indicate donations are for the 70 Mile House and Area Community Fund.