Richmond PR students raise over $18,000 for Surrey charity

Mon, Mar 16, 2015

Metro Vancouver, B.C. Public relations students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) raised over $18,000 to support the Eversafe Ranch Outreach Society, the most raised by any class in the history of the program.

Over the past year, final-year students in the Richmond-based diploma program worked hard to meet their fundraising goal of $15,000 – enough to help Eversafe purchase a 22-seat passenger van to transport clients in need to after school programs.

The initiative culminated with a charity fundraising event held in Vancouver earlier this month. Attended approximately 125 guests, An Enchanted Night featured a magician, silent auction, two raffles, speeches and refreshments. It was entirely planned, organized and executed by students as part of their coursework, which involves hosting an event to raise money for a good cause.

The class went over and above both fundraising records and their own expectations, raising $18,350.22 for Eversafe, which helps Lower Mainland families transition from shelters to homes of their own. Last year, the graduating PR class set a fundraising record with $14,000 going to the STAND Foundation.

"We would like to thank all those involved in making this event such a huge success. The hard work of the KPU PR class of 2015, the generosity of local businesses who sponsored the event and donated items for the silent auction table, and the level of engagement by those who attended the fundraising reception will have a long-reaching impact on the families that we help on a daily basis," said Alan Daser, president of Eversafe Ranch Outreach Society.

This year’s fundraising event was presented by the Kwantlen Student Association.

About KPU’s PR program
The two-year public relations diploma program carries 60 credits in courses directly related to public relations. Students learn about media relations, event management, issues management, stakeholder relations, marketing, advertising and corporate communications, among other subjects. More information about the program, offered through the KPU School of Business, is available at kpu.ca/business/pr.

About Eversafe Ranch Outreach Society 
Every year, Eversafe Ranch Outreach Society helps approximately 700 families in the Lower Mainland transition from shelters to a home of their own. The charity provides furniture, household items, clothing and toys to families in need. Learn more at eversaferanch.ca.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, 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, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.

-30-

Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist, KPU
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca

For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
Flickr