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UWinnipeg Fundraiser Helps Inner-City Youth

Opportunity Fund recipient Brandon Murdock

Opportunity Fund recipient Brandon Murdock

WINNIPEG, MB – Brandon Murdock is a 17 year-old Winnipegger and member of Fisher River First Nation. At The University of Winnipeg’s third annual I Heart UWinnipeg dinner on May 23, Murdock will share how it feels to become the first member of his family to graduate Grade 12 and go on to attend university. Murdock received his diploma from The University of Winnipeg Collegiate Model School on May 9, 2012 and is being supported by UWinnipeg’s Opportunity Fund Tuition Credit program to continue his studies. Over the past several years Murdock has been “earning as he learned” and now has $1,350 in tuition credits to apply to his university expenses.

“It is really good knowing I can put more time into my studies,” said Murdock, who will study Criminal Justice in September. “I want to become a police officer to help children in the community and be a positive role model.” Murdock is also a talented athlete and will play basketball with UWinnipeg’s College Wesmen team.

Approximately 150 inner-city students are now registered in the unique Tuition Credit program which rewards students who stay in school and graduate. The Opportunity Fund, which was created in 2008 specifically to support students from inner-city neighbourhoods, Aboriginal students, new Canadians, refugees and war-affected youth, also offers a bursary program for students in need. To date, more than 850 students have received Opportunity Fund Fast-Track Bursaries from UWinnipeg and approximately 100 of those students have now graduated from university.

I Heart UWinnipeg Dinner

Everyone is invited to attend the third annual I Heart UWinnipeg Dinner to raise money for the Opportunity Fund on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at Canad Inns Polo Park.

University of Winnipeg Collegiate grad and renowned Winnipeg jewelry designer Hilary Druxman has created a sterling silver necklace in support of the Opportunity Fund. The design is a simple keyhole, signifying that “Education is Key”, and it will be launched at the I Heart UWinnipeg dinner on May 23, 2012.

The Education is Key necklace will be sold at The University of Winnipeg Bookstore (in the AnX at 471 Portage Ave.), on Druxman’s website.

and in her Exchange District store at 258 McDermot Ave in Winnipeg.

Dinner tickets are $95.00 each and a tax receipt is provided. Please call (204) 415-2472 or e-mail: d.ottavio@uwinnipeg.ca.

More information here.

MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca