Photo: Contributed

The holiday spirit came early for Okanagan College students who were the recipients of 426 bursary, scholarship and awards this past month, which totalled over $450,000.

Students also had the chance to meet the donors who support the bursaries, scholarships and awards at receptions held at each of Okanagan College’s Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton campuses in November.

Each event included an Indigenous welcome, student and donor speakers and most significantly, time for all invited guests to connect and celebrate a shared commitment to ongoing learning.

“Each year, Okanagan College Foundation disburses over a million dollars in student awards thanks to the generosity of our donors. These awards have a profound impact on students’ lives, many of whom live on limited budgets," said Helen Jackman, executive director of Okanagan College Foundation.

"The money they receive can be put towards educational expenses and household costs, including groceries and food, relieving pressures and allowing them to focus more on their learning,” she added.