With millions of Canadians recently thrust into a cloud of uncertainty by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the economy, there’s no doubt that many post-secondary students have found themselves among those struggling.
In response, the Kwantlen Student Association (KSA) announced on Friday it will donate $100,000 to Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s emergency funds, with the University set to match that donation.
As the KSA explained in a release, the emergency funds are accessible “to both international and domestic students who are facing financial hardships amid the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Polytechnic University offers more than 120 programs at its five campuses located throughout the Metro Vancouver region. All of the nearly 20,000 students who attend courses at the University each year are represented by the student association.
The emergency funds will be available from March 30 to any student registered for the spring 2020 term, while students are eligible for up to $250.
“The KSA always strives to represent its students, and we hope that with this donation, we can give students financial assistance to reduce financial hardships,” said David Piraquive, KSA president, in a release.
In addition, the KSA said it will donate an additional $100,000 to “a number of food banks and charities across the Lower Mainland.”
As the ongoing pandemic continues to impact the Metro Vancouver community, “the KSA is dedicated to assisting those in need,” the release added.
