Sobey family donates $6.5M to NSCC

Three separate Sobey foundations are donatinga total of$6.5 million to the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) system.

The largest $4-million contribution came from theDonald R.Sobey Foundation, whichwill be used to create studentbursaries across the province for those who may face barriers to accessing post-secondary education.

A total of 80 bursaries worth$2,000 each will be awarded annually.

"We just want to break down some barriers," said Rob Sobey."It's too compelling to ignore."

The first awards are expected tobe announced in January.

A number of organizations will be asked to submit the names of potential students, including:

• Pathways to Education.
• PeopleWorx (Annapolis Valley).
• United Way of Halifax.
• Phoenix Youth Programs.
• Hope Blooms.
• Boys & Girls Clubs (Halifax, Truro & Colchester, Sydney).

In a statement released by the NSCC, the director of operations for the TruroandColchester Boys & Girls Club agreed that finances are often a main barrier to post-secondary education.

"We watch them grow up, and we know that, in many cases, they aspire to higher education.This is a wonderful opportunity forour club to help young people achieve their dreams," said Joanne Thibeau,

The Sobey Foundation will donate $2 million to the six campuses across the provincethat provide culinary arts programs, to be used for the purchase of specialized equipment, as well as student bursaries.

A third donation was made in memory of Doe and Bill Sobey;$500,000 will go tostudent bursaries for those who attend NSCC's Marconi and Pictou campuses.

The donations collectively represent thelargest charitable contribution made to NSCCin its 20-year history, the college says.