The volunteer-run organization Friends of qathet, one of five groups and individuals selected as a recipient of the BC Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association (BCPVPA) 2024 Partnership Award, was honoured at a ceremony in November.
The awards and acknowledgements went to groups that have enhanced the experience of students in BC public schools.
"Recipients of the 2024 BCPVPA Partnership Awards have supported their school communities through the delivery of culturally appropriate child and family programs, through quiet and respectful contributions to meet the needs of vulnerable youth, through supporting children’s goals and development, through the powerful creation of a connected community, and through supporting education in both direct and indirect ways," stated a BCPVPA media release.
“We are delighted to be selected as a recipient of a 2024 BC BCPVPA Partnership Award," stated Friends of qathet founders Sue Cecconi and Melanie Jordan. "Our hope is that from our program, others will create programs they feel passionate about to help others in need. Our program is run completely by three volunteers, with no overhead, and our community partners enable the program to exist and thrive year-to-year with 100 per cent of the contributions going towards food and clothing initiatives for our most vulnerable youth in the community.”
The 2024 recipients were honoured on November 22 in a ceremony at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver hotel.
“We are so moved each year when we see the depth and complexity of the work undertaken by individuals, organizations and businesses who contribute to the lives of local students and schools,” said BCPVPA president Dr. Shannon Behan. “This is true community-building, where our students are recognized and seen, and their needs nurtured and supported by people beyond the environs of their schools.”
For more than two decades, BCPVPA has presented the partnership awards in recognition of the time and expertise that local citizens dedicate to supporting BC students and schools, the release stated.
2024 BCPVPA Partnership Awards recipients include: Denisiqi Services Society; Friends of qathet; Selen Alpay, Laichwiltach Family Life Society; and Ryan Wank.
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