After nearly two decades, Erin van Steen will step down as executive director of the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation.
The non-profit organization made the announcement on Wednesday, effective Dec. 31.
“After all those years, I feel it’s time to spend more time with my family,” said van Steen in a press release. “The experience of working for the foundation has enriched my life ... These have been some of the most demanding and exciting years of my life and I have appreciated the opportunity to work for the betterment of local students.”
The foundation provides supports for disadvantaged students and its annual Stock the Lockers campaign raises money and school supplies for disadvantaged students in the school district.
The outgoing director estimates that the foundation has handed out about $6 million during her tenure, with $5.3 million of that in scholarship and bursary money.