The Craig Donaldson Memorial Scholarship Program

Today I take a step into my fathers shoes - far too big for me. Enough room for me to fit my whole body into. Since his passing earlier this year, I remind myself that filling his shoes isn't my duty. That impossible task is to be left impossible. But his legacy, is something I can grab onto and pull forward with me.

My father gave to so many - through his time, profession, love and presence. He dedicated decades of his life to giving back to at-risk youth, and quite frankly changing their lives for the better. Giving them hope, guidance and a view into a better life. A life in which they, more often than not, followed him into. He held the title of District Youth and Family Worker, but that title reflected a mere sliver of the work he did. 

Each year my father organized a scholarship, of which he granted to a deserving student who had hopes and dreams of rewriting their past or present and furthering their education with the goal of a brighter future. Today marks the day that we continue this legacy and I would be honored if you all joined us. For dad. For at-risk youth. For all the hopes and dreams that every single human is so deserving of. And for the idea that a legacy can live on.

THE PLAN:

In partnership with the Vancouver School board, several of my fathers closest colleagues and VASS (Vancouver Alternate Secondary Schools) we will choose from a multitude of students who are nominated by their teachers and award scholarships in denominations of $500 on a yearly basis to those selected. These scholarships will be awarded at their graduation ceremonies in my fathers name. The VASS' focus is to deliver intensive support to move students away from an at-risk track, which may affect their learning and interpersonal relationships. They provide a smaller learning environment with additional educational, social, emotional and behavioral supports depending on the individual needs of each student. Our goal is to continue this support once they graduate from the program through aiding in the financial support they need to enter their next chapter.

The Craig Donaldson Scholarship Program supports at-risk youth whose hopes and dreams will pull them into a brighter future, a brighter tomorrow. A lasting legacy rooted in kindness, humility and passion. Join us by donating.