Langley Kinsmen donate $84,000 to Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Tue, May 1, 2012

For immediate release

Langley Kinsmen donate $84,000 to Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Metro Vancouver, BC – (May 2, 2012) – Staying true to its motto of "Serving the Community's Greatest Needs", the Langley Kinsmen Club has donated $84,000 to Kwantlen Polytechnic University for an award in its name, the Langley Kinsmen Community Award.

The Langley Kinsmen have been a pillar of community service and leadership in the Langley area and surrounding communities since 1950. Members have logged hours of volunteer time in raising funds for important causes and community needs.

"The Langley Kinsmen firmly believe in our youth as our future and we love the opportunity to sponsor a perpetual bursary to Langley students with volunteer spirit," says Scot Jackson, Langley Kinsmen Vice-President. "Partnering with Kwantlen Polytechnic University is a perfect fit for us. The Langley Kinsmen Community Award is a legacy not only to help our community's youth, but also to honour our Langley Kinsmen predecessors who we recognize for their contribution to the community. We trust that the recipients of the award will carry on contributing to their communities for generations to come."

Students will receive $1,000 per year, up to four years, while studying at Kwantlen, based on the following criteria: students must be enrolled in a program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, graduated from the Langley School District, are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants, have a demonstrated financial need (students will be required to submit a completed budget form in first year), involved in volunteerism or community service on an ongoing basis (students will be required to submit reference letters confirming each activity on an annual basis to receive continued funding).

"As a long term member of a service club in Langley, I am deeply gratified by this most generous gift by the Kinsmen," says John McKendry, President and Vice Chancellor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University. "It not only reaffirms for me the importance of such volunteerism in our community, it also reaffirms the importance of supporting our students through their post-secondary education. We cannot say ‘thank you' enough."

The Kinsmen Club of Langley has a long history of helping others within the Langley Township and City. In addition to the Kwantlen donation, the Langley Kinsmen have been supporting the Langley Child Development Centre, Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities, Teens Mag and the Langley Christmas Bureau. The club has also recently supported the Langley Youth for the Fallen, Langley Lodge, Big Brothers/Sisters of Langley and various other groups and individuals.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts and science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 17,500 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.

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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca