The McCain Foundation donates $1 million to UPEI in support of Atlantic Veterinary College expansion

The McCain Foundation has donated $1 million to the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in support of the Atlantic Veterinary College's (AVC) expansion program.

With this leadership gift, The McCain Foundation is supporting state-of-the-art learning and educational facilities through The McCain Foundation Learning Commons at AVC-the most recent addition within AVC's $45 million expansion project.

'The McCain Foundation has a remarkable history of leadership giving that strengthens communities, notably in Atlantic Canada,' says H. Wade MacLauchlan, President of UPEI. 'We are extremely grateful to The McCain Foundation for this generous gift to UPEI in support of AVC's expansion project. This donation supports a community of learning at UPEI and AVC, and enriches the exceptional quality of education that we offer to our students.'

"The McCain Foundation is pleased to support the University of Prince Edward Island and our Atlantic region's school of veterinary medicine, the Atlantic Veterinary College, through this donation," said Kathryn McCain, Chair of The McCain Foundation. "The work of the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI impacts our society in significant ways through contributions to animal health, human health, food safety and public health. We are fortunate to have this outstanding resource in Atlantic Canada and are very proud to demonstrate our support for its growth."

The McCain Foundation Learning Commons at AVC enhances the quality of learning and educational experiences of students through resources such as additional classroom space, seminar rooms, teaching equipment, a veterinary resource room and much-needed study space. The heart of The McCain Foundation Learning Commons-a floor-to-ceiling glass atrium-is a gathering point for students and the community.

'Through the generosity of The McCain Foundation, we are able to provide our students with an environment that challenges and excites them, and prepares them to be lifelong learners and leaders in their profession and in their communities,' says Dr. Don Reynolds, Dean of AVC. 'For this outstanding contribution to teaching and learning, I sincerely thank The McCain Foundation.'

Established in 1986 as the veterinary college serving Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Veterinary College is committed to improving the health and well-being of animals and humans through excellence in education, discovery, professional practice and dedicated service to the four Atlantic provinces. AVC is an active industry partner, providing the world-class research and services needed to grow the Atlantic region. AVC aims to raise $8.5 million by June 2011 in partnership with Atlantic Canadian leaders to fully fund its capital expansion program.

The philanthropic arm of McCain Foods Limited, The McCain Foundation was established to assist charitable organizations within Canada. The Foundation continues the giving tradition of the McCain family with particular emphasis on the communities in which McCain Foods has operations, and on the organizations and institutions that support these communities and their citizens.