Karen Shaw Memorial Bursary
Children and youth in care may have experienced significant trauma and losses in their lives. As a result, they are not always able to receive recognition when competing with their peers in school and community settings. The types of challenges faced on a daily basis by our youth in care, are not always seen, understood or recognized.
Peers or caseworkers make nominations for this bursary. Examples of youth who may be nominated are: someone who has transferred schools and has made a successful transition; a youth who did well academically; a young person who is making a new circle of friends, or perhaps being a regular member of a sports team, music orchestra, choir etc. Each year a youth is chosen based on the above criteria to receive this award at the Annual General Meeting of Family and Children’s Services.
Dawning Leadership Award
The Dawning Leadership Award is a tribute to former Director of Service, Dawn Flegel and is awarded to a deserving female youth in care, who shows leadership qualities.
Peers or caseworkers make nominations for this award. Someone who might show promise as a future leader could be a youth who expresses aspirations to become a leader, or someone who takes an opportunity to be in a leadership role, such as a team captain in sports or school politics, a leader in a church group, or a mentor or tutor.
Educational Bursaries
Education leads to success, an increase in self-esteem and confidence. In order to encourage children, who are receiving services from Family and Children’s Services, to stay in school and reach their goals The Elgin Children’s Foundation provides Educational Bursaries. These bursaries assist students with educational costs for post-secondary education or trade apprenticeship programs.
Each year educational scholarships are awarded to several students. These students are recommended to the Foundation and are required to participate in an interview to discuss their goals. During the last two years, 4 scholarships were awarded to students attending College and 2 to students attending university.
"This is helping pay a big chunk of my tuition and I don't know if I would be where I am if it weren't for your help. Because of you, I can go about and fulfill my dreams knowing I have people who believe and financially I will be alright" - Karen
"Thank-you so much for the grant. It means a lot to me to not have to think about the cost of school. I'm studying Electrical Techniques at Fanshawe College. I am quite enjoying being back in school and learning new things." - Mehgan
How You Can Help
Our awards and bursaries are in the range of $1000 - $2500. To receive more information about donating towards this important recognition of, and educational assistance for youth in care, please contact us: