An endowment of over $350,000 received by The Douglas College Foundation will go toward supporting the College’s Institute of Urban Ecology (IUE).
The funds provided by The Children’s Educational Foundation of Canada will guarantee free environmental education workshops to elementary schools and community groups in the Lower Mainland.
“We believe everyone has the right to quality education, and this grant allows us to bring valuable, science-based learning to all, regardless of wealth or status,” said IUE Coordinator Naomi Higo. “As a non-profit, the Institute of Urban Ecology wouldn’t exist without the generosity of organizations like The Children’s Educational Foundation of Canada.”
From native seed planting to building DIY bee houses and much more, the IUE’s workshops provide participants with the knowledge and resources to bring sustainable practices into their lives.
“These programs nurture ecological consciousness and stewardship. This donation ensures a lasting legacy,” said Melissa Ren, Associate Director for Annual Giving and Alumni Relations. “Together, we provide a solid foundation for future generations, empowering them to initiate positive change for a sustainable tomorrow.”
This is the third largest endowment ever received by the Douglas College Foundation and the $353,789.67 will help fill a historical gap in funding for IUE’s educational programs.
“This endowment is transformational,” said Dr. Brian Chapell, Dean of Science and Technology. “It will ensure that we have stable and reliable funding to support environmental workshops and outreach initiatives through the institute for years to come.”
The funding also allows the IUE to hire three Douglas students per year to deliver workshops and conduct research, providing them with hands-on work experience and the opportunity to give back to the community.
Douglas College is the largest college in B.C., combining the academic foundations of a university and the employer-ready skills of a college to graduate resilient global citizens who adapt, innovate and lead in a changing world.
For more information, visit douglascollege.ca
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Elizabeth Douglas