Over $1.4 million in post-secondary scholarships to be awarded tonight to former youth in care at the Children's Aid Foundation's 16th annual Recognition Night

Volunteer and donor awards also to be given to Bill Blair, CIBC Children's Foundation, Element Financial, CGI, the Ted and Loretta Rogers Foster Care Transition Program and Newzapalooza

TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2015 /CNW/ - This evening, Wednesday, September 9, over 325 post-secondary students will receive scholarships and bursaries totalling over $1.4 million to help further their education at the Children's Aid Foundation's 16^th annual Recognition Night. Each year across Canada, only 30 per cent of kids involved with the care system will graduate high school and the rate of enrolment in post-secondary institutions is half that of the general population. For young people who are living in or have recently left the child welfare system, the cost of attending a post-secondary institution can be an insurmountable barrier to a brighter future. This year, students will receive the opportunity to attend university or college thanks to the generous support of donors to the Children's Aid Foundation.

At Recognition Night, the Children's Aid Foundation also recognizes the outstanding contributions of select volunteers and donors. This year's award winners are:

Child Welfare Ambassador Award - Bill Blair
Guardian Award - CIBC Children's Foundation
Youth Champion Award - Element Financial
Outstanding Contribution Award - CGI
Pioneer Award - The Ted and Loretta Rogers Foster Care Transition Program
Community Partner Award - Newzapalooza

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY:

WHAT:	At the Children's Aid Foundation's 16^th annual Recognition Night, over 600 people will gather to celebrate the academic achievements of former youth in care and the generosity and commitment of donors and volunteers who have helped them reach their goals. Student scholarships, as well as volunteer and donor awards will be handed out.
WHO:	TV personality Tracy Moore, emcee for the student scholarship ceremony Valerie McMurtry, President and CEO, Children's Aid Foundation Donors and student recipients formerly in the care system Volunteer and donor award recipients
WHEN:	September 9, 2015 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm 5:30 - 6:30 pm Photo opportunity with recipients of volunteer and donor awards at a pre-event reception presentation 6:30 - 7:00 pm Interview opportunity as guests arrive 7:00 - 8:30 PM Student scholarship award ceremony 8:30 - 9:00 PM Interview opportunity with donors and students after the ceremony
WHERE:	Royal Conservatory of Music 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

About the Children's Aid Foundation
The Children's Aid Foundation is Canada's leading national charity dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in the child welfare system. With the support of generous corporate, foundation and individual donors, we have been helping children reach their potential against all odds since 1979. Join us and help some of the most vulnerable kids in Canada overcome traumas of the past and rebuild stability, self-worth and a sense of life's possibilities. Learn more at www.cafdn.org.

 

SOURCE Children's Aid Foundation

Lisa Lipkin
Lisa Lipkin Communications
Tel: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]