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Paper Excellence creates scholarship programs in two educational institutions

Paper Excellence donated $50,000 each to the College of the Rockies and Vancouver Island University (VIU). The funds will be used to create Paper Excellence student awards scholarship programs in each of these educational institutions. Over the next five years, both institutions will award ten $1,000 scholarships each year through the programs.

Paper Excellence operates two mills on Vancouver Island­ – Catalyst Crofton and Catalyst Port Alberni – and one mill on the Sunshine Coast – Howe Sound Pulp & Paper. The scholarship program in VIU is meant to encourage and recognize Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast youth.

Paper Excellence also operates the Skookumchuck Pulp mill located just north of Cranbrook and Kimberley in the East Kootenays. The scholarship program in the College of the Rockies is meant to encourage and recognize local youth.

“We state in our Core Values that we are an economic pillar and a partner in our operating communities,” said Graham Kissack, vice-president of environment, health and safety and corporate communications. “Investing in young people and supporting the development of the local workforce lets us live that value by contributing to local prosperity and well-being through education. The College of the Rockies is well placed to provide this training with seven campuses in the region. It serves a regional population of close to 83,000 people and provides instruction to approximately 2100 full-time equivalent (FTE) students.”

The scholarship will be awarded to those with good academic achievement in high school who are enrolled in programs related to the operation of a pulp mill such as heavy-duty equipment technician, millwright, welder or engineer. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, and/or financial need.

“Investing in young people and supporting the development of the local workforce makes sense for us. Vancouver Island University is well placed to provide this training with four campuses on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast and a variety of relevant programs on offer,” noted Kissack