(April 25, Sechelt, B.C.): Today members of the Hopkins Branch of St Mary’s Hospital/Health Care auxiliary surprised students in the Health Care Assistant program at Capilano University with a $100 grant each. Students were completing a day in the lab when the group told them they would each be receiving a financial boost to support their studies.

“We are delighted to be able to provide this support to the caring individuals who have chosen a career which could lead to helping seniors remain in their homes for as long as possible,” said Fran Miller, a member of the Hopkins group.

The financial support can be used toward tuition or books and was made available to each student in the program in recognition of the important role health care assistants play in ensuring quality care for many residents of the Sunshine Coast.

The 20 students in the 7-month program must learn and practice an enormous set of skills in a relatively short period in the intense program. They graduate from the program understanding and valuing person-centered care focusing on nurturing independence and self-determination for those in need of assistance.

“This gift by the Hopkins group tells our students how much the community values the work they will be doing in the future,” says Joanne Quirk, local coordinator for the program.

The Health Care Assistance program runs every 18 months on the Sunshine Coast and has graduated more than 100 students over the past ten years, many of whom now work in health and community care on the Sunshine Coast.

The members of the Hopkins Branch of St. Mary’s Hospital/Health Care Auxiliary have a special Celebration/Memorial fund which receives donations, not only in remembrance of a loved one, but also to honor a birthday, anniversary or any celebratory occasion.  These funds are used to provide bursaries for students enrolled in Capilano University’s Health Care Assistant Program.

About the Capilano University Foundation

Incorporated in 1970, the Capilano University Foundation works to advance the mission of the University and support student success through the development of private, public and corporate financial support. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors and is supported by the University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office. The Foundation currently manages almost $7 million in endowments and oversees more than $1 million in annual and planned gifts.

About Capilano University

Capilano University is a teaching-focused university with campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt, British Columbia. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), the University currently offers bachelor degrees as well as associate degrees and a range of diplomas, certificates and statements of completion. More than 7,500 students are enrolled in credit programs each term, with an additional 7,000 people taking non-credit courses annually. Capilano University has earned an international reputation for quality teaching, programs and services, instilling the knowledge, skills, motivation and attitudes that will enable students to become independent thinkers and learners, and to contribute effectively in a rapidly changing world. More information can be found at www.capilanou.ca/hca