IODE Canada 30th Anniversary of Labrador Bursary

In the early ’80s, IODE members knew that Labrador students graduating from coastal high schools had the same dreams as all young people and were ideally suited to participate in the growth of their province. It was clear that as Labrador and Newfoundland developed there would be a need for skilled and professional people in oil development, medicine and social services.

Over 200 Labrador high school students have gone on to study at colleges and university thanks to an IODE initiative that began over 30 years ago. The IODE Labrador Bursary program has helped coastal students become hairdressers, doctors, airplane mechanics, engineers and teachers to name a few.

Recently the Labrador Bursary Committee has been obliged to make adjustments in respect to the number and amounts of bursaries granted as fewer donations to this capital fund are being received and interest rates are low. In order to continue to respond for the requests from students for assistance with their education, growth of the capital in the Labrador Bursary Fund is vital.

Consequently, IODE Canada has implemented a fund-raising campaign in honour of the 30th Anniversary of the Labrador Bursary Program with a goal to raise $30,000. We are asking chapters and/or individual members to please contribute to this worthwhile fund in order for IODE to continue to respond to requests. By doing so, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of students in Labrador and encourage these students to bring their dreams to life.

For more information, please contact Chris Bateman, Chairman of the Labrador Bursary Program, at iodecanada@bellnet.ca or call 416-487-4416.