Once again, this year, 2 recipients have been selected and will receive a $2,500 scholarship in recognition of their volunteer involvement as well as $1,000 to donate to a food security NGO of their choice.
Simone Williams
Simone Williams is the daughter of Soledad Altamirano, Senior HR Manager for the Energy and Resources segment. This 22-year-old has been volunteering since she was 15 years old. Her first volunteer experience was at Windsor Stables in Vancouver where she cleaned the stables and fed the horses. Then, in 2016, she began volunteering at Surrey Memorial Hospital's Ronald McDonald House with therapy dogs, a very impactful experience for her. In this program, critically ill children are allowed to pet the dogs, get to know them and are encouraged to enjoy their company. The healing power that these dogs bring, emotionally and mentally, has a tremendous impact on the children and volunteers. During the pandemic, Simone also helped about 15 elderly people who live in her building. She helped them by running errands, bringing food, and taking care of their pets. Simone believes that the power of volunteerism provides many benefits to individuals, the economy, and the volunteers themselves and is a great service to the community. She feels honored to help make a difference by helping others. This summer Simone will be starting a certificate in Childhood Education at Langara College and the Stop Hunger Foundation is very proud to be able to support her in her studies with a $2500 scholarship. In addition to this scholarship, Simone will have the opportunity to make a $1000 donation to the food security organization of her choice.
Manjot Kambo
Manjot Kambo is the son of Navdeep Kambo, one of our frontline employees at St Teresa Place in Calgary. Every week, Manjot volunteers at St Teresa Place to help seniors and provide them with some companionship. Manjot loves spending time with the residents and learning about their different life experiences. These intergenerational exchanges have had a great impact on his personal development, as it gives him a new perspective on life in general.
In the fall, Manjot will begin his studies at Mount Royal University where he hopes to pursue a degree in nursing. The Stop Hunger Foundation is very proud to be able to support him in his studies by offering him a $2500 scholarship. In addition to this scholarship, Manjot will also have the chance to donate $1000 to the food security organization of his choice.
In 2022, instead of awarding a third recipient, the Stop Hunger Foundation has decided to support a new initiative. The amount of $3500 usually allocated to a third scholarship will be used to support 2 Ukrainian refugee students who will start their studies at Bishop's University in the fall. This amount will pay for their meal plan for the year.
To learn more about the Gina Gentleman Scholarship, visit the official page!
Congratulations again to all recipients!
