Horatio Alger Association of Canada extends reach West

- Jim Pattison Scholarship Programs launched to benefit deserving students in Alberta and British Columbia -

MONTREAL, Sept. 9, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Horatio Alger Association of Canada is pleased to announce the expansion of its scholarship offering to students residing in the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia with scholarships named after Canadian business icon Jim Pattison.

The Horatio Alger Jim Pattison Alberta and British Columbia Scholarship Programs will award $5,000 scholarships to 40 students (20 per province) each year. The application process will begin October 1, 2013, and is open to students in their last year of high school who will attend a post-secondary institution in the fall of 2014.

"I am very honoured to have these scholarships named after me. These funds will help deserving students pursue higher education and achieve their dreams," Mr. Pattison said.

Scholarships will be awarded to students who have critical financial need and have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity as well as strength of character, a good academic record, a commitment to pursue post-secondary education, and a desire to contribute to society.

A man of humble beginnings whose family lost everything in the Great Depression, today Jim Pattison is the owner of Canada's second largest privately held company.

Over five decades, Mr. Pattison has owned a diverse array of businesses including car dealerships, grocery stores, TV and radio stations, sports teams - and even the Guinness Book of World Records. He employs in excess of 35,000 people and was the Chairman of Expo 86, a successful World Fair held in Vancouver in 1986.

He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of British Columbia, and in 1996, he was recognized for his outstanding achievements and inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. In 2004, Mr. Pattison was awarded the International Horatio Alger Award.

The Horatio Alger Association of Canada also announced the launch of its new website at www.horatioalger.ca. Individuals wanting to learn more about the Association and students interested in applying for scholarships are encouraged to visit the site.

About the Horatio Alger Association of Canada
The Horatio Alger Association of Canada, the Canadian affiliate of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who encourage young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association of Canada currently awards scholarships annually to deserving young people in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.

SOURCE: Horatio Alger Association of Canada

Adam Daifallah, HATLEY Strategy Advisors, 514.316.7089 [email protected]