Cambrian receives largest ever donation

Cambrian College's awards and bursary program recently received the largest single gift in the college's history.

The $2 million donation from The Joyce Foundation will fund a new bursary to help northern Ontario students in financial need to pay for their Cambrian College education.

“Access to affordable education is critical to student success,” said Cambrian College president Bill Best, in a press release.

“Thanks to the generosity of The Joyce Foundation, many students whose financial situations would have prevented them from attending post-secondary will be able to pursue their education at Cambrian.

“Meaningful connections with external supporters such as The Joyce Foundation are positive examples of the goals of our Strategic Plan coming to fruition,” said Best. “Improved affordability is one of the cornerstones of the Plan, and this new bursary will certainly make education more affordable for many students.”

Beginning in fall 2016, The Joyce Foundation Access Bursary will be awarded to about two dozen successful applicants to assist them with paying for tuition and books.

To be eligible, students must be under 21 and have demonstrated financial need or personal circumstances that prevent them from enrolling in post-secondary studies. Preference will be given to students from northern Ontario.

“The Joyce Foundation is thrilled to help remove financial barriers so that young Canadians can enroll at Cambrian College and pursue their educational goals,” said Ron Joyce, Advisor Trustee, Joyce Foundation.

The gift was made available by Ron Joyce with the support of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, including Grant Joyce, Steven Joyce, Hon. Ed Lumley, Rob MacIsaac, Aileen O’Rafferty, Michele Thornley and David Wagstaff.

The Joyce Foundation is a private, family foundation created by Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald V. Joyce. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting the social, economic and emotional well-being of children and youth by empowering them to develop into healthy, confident, independent contributors to Canadian society.

“The generosity of The Joyce Foundation is a tremendous example of those who use their success to help a new generation of young Canadians,” stated Cambrian Foundation Board Chair Joel Humphrey.

“Through this gift, students were given the opportunity to focus on learning and not be distracted or stressed by financial worry. I thank The Joyce Foundation for alleviating the very real pressure many students face every day.”