STEPHENVILLE, NL – There is no greater feeling than knowing you’ve been able to help someone who has fallen on hard times.
In College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) case, they’ve been able to help nearly 50 domestic and international students with a one-time bursary for support. Any other students in need now have until Friday, June 13 at 4 p.m. to see if they can qualify for this relief.
The global pandemic has placed many people in hardship, through no fault of their own, and it was this reason CNA started its COVID-19 Student Relief Fund, along with its affinity partner TD Meloche Monnex, in early May. To date, the fund has allocated $27,000 to students who qualified. Relief funding assistance was provided through a one-time bursary that helped give some financial support for identified priorities, such as emergency transportation, food, housing and medical relief.
Several students responded to the news of their successful applications with thank you sentiments and messages of appreciation.
“I have no words to express my thanks to CNA staff and faculty including you for your strong support and consideration throughout my journey with CNA. I really appreciate your dedication towards students.”
“I truly needed this because I was not given enough hours at work due to closure of our (business) caused by COVID-19. This would really help me a lot in coping up with my schooling and daily expenses.”
“That’s awesome! Any help during this time is a Godsend. Thanks so much. It’s greatly appreciated.”
Liz Kidd, President & CEO, says it’s these words that demonstrate how going the extra mile for students can have such a positive impact during a negative situation.
“We can’t thank our donors and supporters enough for the tremendous contributions they have made to this essential fund,” she said. “We have worked diligently to ensure academic continuity, as well as mental health and wellness supports are in place for our students. These ongoing partnerships allow CNA to provide assistance above and beyond the students’ post-secondary experiences. We know this pandemic has had a profound impact on many; CNA included. But this is what we do when times are tough. We pull together and face adversity to overcome the challenges and move forward. Thank you for helping us help our students as they move toward building a brighter future.”
Anna Peddle, CNA’s Manager of Alumni & Advancement, says her office is proud to be a part of the overall effort to assist students who are having difficulties during their academic journey.
“The COVID-19 Student Relief Fund is a continued extension of our unwavering support for students, and we are pleased with the success it has had in providing emergency support to those who needed it most,” said Peddle. “A big thank you to TD Meloche Monnex and all our individual donors for helping make this program a reality. Our most vulnerable students were given an opportunity that they may not have had otherwise during this uncertain time in our history.”
The deadline to apply is
Friday, June 13 at 4 p.m. No applications will be considered after that time. Once the application process has been finalized, any remaining funds will be transferred to the college’s Student Emergency Fund, which has existed in 2015, so it can continue to help support CNA students, who find themselves in urgent or crisis situations, throughout the year.
The application can be found
here .
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Media contact:
Michelle Barry
Communications Manager
College of the North Atlantic
1-709-643-7721
Michelle.barry@cna.nl.ca