Auxiliary of the PEI Family Services Bureau establishes student award at UPEI

After almost 50 years of service to their community, the group will disband, but its influence will continue to be felt through this award created in perpetuity.

An annual award will be granted to a student entering third or fourth year whose studies will guide them to a vocation in education, health or social services. The scholarship will be funded by the Auxiliary's recent donation of $10,000 to UPEI to create an endowment fund.

'We are very pleased to support our up-and-coming nurses, teachers and others entering the social services field,' says Auxiliary president Shirley Young. 'We have always been strong believers in the importance and value of education.'

Established in 1959, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Protestant Family Service Bureau augmented the financial relief program then administered by the Bureau. While the Bureau dealt with providing groceries, fuel and shelter to those in need, the Auxiliary provided clothing, bedding and furniture when needed.

The group's most notable and long-lasting project was the Christmas shop for low-income families through which it supplied help at Christmas for up to 700 children every year for 40 years. Other projects included funding dental care for children and adolescents that was not covered by government at the time, a Share Our Books program, and assistance for children of low-income families to attend day care and day camps.

To learn more about establishing an award or scholarship at UPEI, contact Tracey Comeau at (902) 566-0354 or e-mail tcomeau@upei.ca.