Great Plains College promotes ‘Give Where You Live’ campaign on December 1

Great Plains College is encouraging individuals, businesses, organizations and municipalities to participate in “Givingtuesday” on December 1, which is recognized across North America as the start of the giving season.

The college’s theme for this year’s recognition day is “Give Where You Live” and they are asking everyone to consider the many benefits of donating to the student scholarship program across its seven campuses and program centres.

“Give Where You Live” was selected as the college’s theme to encourage individuals and others to give back to their local community and invest in the college’s students who will become our communities’ leaders for the future. Finances raised from this initiative will go directly towards entrance scholarships (ranging from $500-$5,000) and early entrance awards ($1,000 to Grade 11 students) for incoming students enrolled in fulltime student loan-eligible programs at the college’s seven locations in Biggar, Kindersley, Maple Creek, Martensville, Rosetown, Swift Current and Warman.

“During the current academic year, approximately $216,000 will be provided to over 170 students in scholarships and awards,” commented Dianne Sletten, donor services coordinator for Great Plains College. “We express our sincere gratitude to the many sponsors and donors across our communities who have chosen to invest in our students in the past, and we are hopeful that this spirit of giving will continue into the future so that we can continue supporting our students’ educational goals.”

Sletten added that locally-raised donations have a doubly beneficial effect as the dollars are matched to a maximum amount through the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program. “This program recognizes local community investment and provides additional funding to benefit the scholarship opportunities for students.”

Contributions and donations of all sizes and amounts provide a benefit to the college’s scholarship program – no matter how big or small, they all make a difference in a student’s life. The college automatically provides a charitable tax receipt for any donation amount of $20 or higher.

If you are interested in playing a positive role in a student’s education, the college encourages you to “Give Where You Live” on December 1 by donating online at greatplainscollege.ca/ donate, or directly contacting Dianne Sletten at development@greatplainscollege.ca or at 306-778-5456. Additional information on Great Plains College’s entrance scholarship program, early admission awards, other external awards and application deadlines can be found by visiting greatplainscollege.ca/ scholarships.