January 14, 2010 - HSBC supports Aboriginal students at Douglas
Aboriginal students at Douglas College received an extra boost recently when HSBC Bank Canada made an additional gift to increase its existing HSBC Aboriginal Bursary Fund.
HSBC Bank Canada will donate $30,000 over three years to bring the Bursary Fund up to $90,000 by 2011.
"We are very pleased to support Aboriginal students at Douglas College through the HSBC Aboriginal Bursary Fund," said Matthew Bosrock, Deputy CEO, HSBC Bank Canada. "HSBC believes access to education is important in helping young people to realize their full potential, which is why we fund bursaries and scholarships at post-secondary institutions across Canada."
At Douglas College, close to 400 Aboriginal students from across Canada are enrolled in programs ranging from university transfer to continuing education. The bursary will help reduce the financial barriers faced by many Aboriginal students as they pursue their post-secondary goals.
Douglas College president Dr. Scott McAlpine says the college strives hard to meet the needs of all Aboriginal students, offering support at many different levels.
"The HSBC Aboriginal Bursary helps us provide financial assistance to those students most in need - this assistance can mean that a student stays in school and completes their post-secondary program when otherwise they might not be able to."
McAlpine adds that the college has enjoyed a long relationship with HSBC and the Bursary is a testament to that relationship.
Douglas College is the largest comprehensive community college in BC with more than 12,000 students enrolled in a wide range of courses from applied degrees, university transfer and career programs. As well, an additional 20,000 students take contract training and continuing education programs at the New Westminster, Coquitlam, Surrey or Maple Ridge campuses.
HSBC Bank Canada, a subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc, has more than 260 offices, including over 140 bank branches, and is the leading international bank in Canada. With around 8,500 offices in 86 countries and territories, and assets of US$2,422 billion at 30 June 2009, the HSBC Group is one of the world¿s largest banking and financial services organizations.
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Media enquiries:
Hazel Postma
Associate Vice President, External Affairs
Douglas College Foundation
Tel: 604-777-6173
Sarah Stover
Assistant Manager, Public Affairs
HSBC Bank Canada
Tel: 604-641-1899
