Vulnerable students in the Nanaimo school district received a helping hand thanks to the generosity of CIBC Wood Gundy.
The investment advisement company made a $7,542 donation to the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation for its Student Support Fund.
The fund is a direct-to-student program that allows teachers and staff to confidentially provide vulnerable children with shoes or coats, additional school supplies if needed, to cover band or athletic fees, and other necessities to help keep them in school through the remainder of the year.
The program started in the district’s high schools four years ago and was extended to the elementary schools three years ago.
The funds are commissions donated by the seven investment advisors at CIBC Wood Gundy’s Nanaimo branch through the national Miracle Day initiative.
The gift brings the branch’s donation to the foundation to more than $15,000 since 2011.
“There is a real need which many people don’t experience or run into on a daily basis,” said Nathan Thornton, company vice-president. “The NLSF is able to give support to some of the most vulnerable students, really giving them a chance for success in the future. The team here feels connected to helping where it is needed the most in our community.”