Burns Lake Fulfills Pledge to Support Northern Medical Education
August 14, 2006
Burns Lake has become only the
second community in northern British
Columbia to fulfill its pledge to the Northern
Medical Programs Trust, a fundraising initiative to support students in the
Northern Medical Program. The accomplishment was marked today by UNBC President
Don Cozzetto, who was in Burns
Lake as part of a tour of
communities in northwestern BC.
Combining
local efforts with some corporate fundraising led by UNBC, Burns Lake’s
total contribution to the NMPT currently stands at just over $65,700 –
significantly higher than its pledge of $53,060. More than two-dozen northern
BC communities have made pledges to the NMPT based on their populations. The
pledge amounts range from $7500 (Wells) to $2 million (Prince George) with the goal of raising a
total endowment of $6 million. To date, a total of $3.8 million has been
raised. This year, $50,000 was awarded to the students in the Northern Medical
Program.
“I would like to say ‘Thank you’ to the citizens of the Lakes District
for their generous support of this program,” says Burns Lake Mayor Bernice
Magee. “The fund-raising team – a committee of community members – has been
assisted by the local schools, businesses, industry, and a great majority of
local individuals, all of whom have contributed to this trust fund. I am
pleased to say that we have now completed our obligation and look forward to
seeing the dollars at work in our community.”
“This
community has been exemplary in its local fundraising efforts and the students
are benefiting most,” says Dr. Cozzetto. “UNBC extends a heartfelt thank you to
the citizens of Burns
Lake, to Mayor Bernice
Magee, and her predecessor, Paul Jean. The whole North will benefit from the Northern
Medical Program and this Trust.”
The
Northern Medical Program is part of the UBC Faculty of Medicine delivered in
partnership with UNBC. The program is vital to meeting the critical need
of northern communities for health care professionals. The curriculum is being
delivered through a combination of cutting-edge videoconference and internet
technology, face-to-face instruction, and learning from local doctors in
various health care settings throughout northern BC.
The NMPT is a partnership of northern BC communities and UNBC to provide
financial support to medical students interested in practicing in northern and
rural communities. Tumbler Ridge was the first community to fulfill its pledge
amount. Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622