(L-R) Donna Dixson (Director of Community Relations, CHHCF) with Chloe Popove (PR student, KPU)
For immediate release
March 26, 2013
KPU public relations student reshapes practicum experience
(Metro Vancouver, BC) – When Chloe Popove, a Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) public relations student, began her practicum she knew it would be anything but normal. Choosing a new organization in her home city, Popove began her practicum at the Chilliwack Hospital & Health Care Foundation (CHHCF) at the beginning of March.
As part of her practicum, Popove was asked to take on a pilot project at Chilliwack Senior Secondary, which involved her teaching a family management class every Friday. While preparing her classes, Popove arranged for a doctor from Chilliwack General Hospital to speak about health literacy, invited a yoga instructor to lead a class, and a local trainer to run a 45 minute boot camp for the students.
On March 26, as a continuation of her practicum, Popove will be bringing her knowledge and passion for healthy living to students in South Africa. Popove was inspired by a conversation with Brian Minter at the 2012 Chilliwack Business Excellence Awards to travel and immerse herself in a different culture before beginning her career. After some research, Popove came across the International Volunteer Headquarters and became even more excited about the idea of travelling abroad. She came up with the idea of continuing her practicum in South Africa, and since the CHHCF is all about preventative health, the foundation was completely supportive of the idea. Popove will work on a community outreach project in Cape Town, teaching under privileged children how to surf, hike, and to live a healthy lifestyle.
“I really enjoy working with the CHHCF and love knowing that we are working with community partners to inspire a change in attitude around health,” said Popove. “It seems like the perfect next step, and I am beyond excited to go to South Africa, and to have the opportunity to make a difference, whether it’s big or small. I am passionate about learning and about health and I really believe that one person can make a difference.”
The Chilliwack Hospital & Health Care Foundation was established with a simple goal – to improve community health. For more information please visit chhcf.org.
KPU’s public relations program is a 60-credit diploma organized into four semesters. Students develop the basic skills, work habits and attitudes they need to succeed both as students and as PR professionals. Students apply their public relations skills to a variety of projects for clients, culminating in a one-month work experience in the public relations industry. For more information about this program visit: kwantlen.ca/business/pr.
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, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 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 the CHHCF contact:
Donna Dixson
Director of Community Relations, CHHCF
Tel: 604.316.4299
donna.dixson@chhcf.org
For more information about KPU, contact:
Cara Johnson
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.598.6196
cara.johnson@kwantlen.ca