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Winnipeg Police Service Commits to Opportunity Fund

The individuals taking part in today's announcement included (from left to right) His Worship Mayor Sam Katz, UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, Winnipeg Police Service Chief Keith McCaskill and Winnipeg Police Service Staff Sargeant Bud Guest. Photo by: Sharon Leonard / uwinnipeg.ca

The individuals taking part in today’s announcement included (from left to right) His Worship Mayor Sam Katz, UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, Winnipeg Police Service Chief Keith McCaskill and Winnipeg Police Service Staff Sargeant Bud Guest. Photo by: Sharon Leonard / uwinnipeg.ca

WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) today announced the Winnipeg Police Service Opportunity Scholarship in Memory of Injured and Fallen Officers will be given to UWinnipeg students through the UWinnipeg Opportunity Fund. This scholarship, established by the Winnipeg Police Service, is to support educational opportunities for students from North End and Downtown Winnipeg high schools.

Beginning in the Fall of 2011, two scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded annually. These scholarships are renewable annually, with the intention that students receive scholarship support throughout their University degree. Consideration will be given to applicants who have made contributions to, or been involved with, their school or community (e.g. volunteer work, contributions to community). As the scholarships are renewable, in the second year up to four scholarships could be awarded, in the third year up to six scholarships could be awarded and in the fourth year up to eight scholarships could be awarded.

Bridge the Graduation Gap
“The University of Winnipeg is honoured to be chosen by the Winnipeg Police Service for this award, designed to encourage students from the inner-city and the North End to continue with their studies,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor. “These scholarships will be administered by the Opportunity Fund, which was created to bridge the graduation gap and transform lives. We are very pleased that the WPS is making this commitment and has chosen UWinnipeg.”

Honour Our Injured & Fallen Officers
“As police officers, the primary responsibility of our members is to protect and serve the citizens of Winnipeg,” said WPS Chief Keith McCaskill. “I am very proud of the efforts put forward by our members to find ways to make a positive impact in our community and to honour our injured and fallen officers. This scholarship program benefiting high-school students in Winnipeg’s Core Area and North End wishing to continue on with their studies in university or college is beneficial to the student and to our community.”

The money for the WPS Opportunity Scholarship in Memory of Injured and Fallen Officers was raised through a Winnipeg Police Service Community Challenge Golf Tournament and a partnership with Boston Pizza that raised $20,000 combined for this scholarship.

UWinnipeg Opportunity Fund
The UWinnipeg Opportunity Fund aims to close the graduation gap by helping students who might otherwise lack resources attend The University of Winnipeg. The Opportunity Fund is supported by generous private and government donations, and which has a goal of building a $10-million endowment fund. The University of Winnipeg Foundation is pleased to assist you in donating to the Opportunity Fund. Please call 204.786.9995 or call toll free at 1.866.394.6050 or visit: www.uwinnipegfoundation.ca.

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