Richmond, B.C. – More than 119, 000 single mothers in B.C. are struggling with poverty. A Night in Wonderland, organized by the Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) graduating public relations class, raised $9, 373.70 to help reduce this statistic.
“Our passion for helping single mothers and their children who live in poverty in Vancouver was sparked when we met with Andrea Thomas Hill and Caroline Woodcock of the Cause We Care Foundation (CWCF) in November,” said Kaelynn Frankish, a final-year student in KPU’s public relations program, which is based in Richmond.
“We wanted to help reduce this statistic and to help support the after-school programs that CWCF has worked so hard to set up.”
Since the fall, the KPU’s graduating PR class have been planning their fundraising event, a whimsical soirée held earlier this month at Vancouver’s Heritage Hall.
“We wanted guests to experience a magical journey full of possibilities. Everyone had their own idea of wonderland and we were excited to bring these ideas to life,” said student Andrea Ng.
“For so many of us, it all starts with our mothers, who are such an important source of support. We wanted to collaborate with CWCF because they work with many organizations who are on the frontlines with single mothers and their families,” added student Kelsey Forsyth.
One of the organizations that CWCF supports is Tradeworks BC, a carpentry training program that assists women and other community members gain valuable job-training skills.
Tia Hass is a single mother and carpenter apprentice who now helps women who are going through the program.
“It’s astounding what people give to you in return when you tell them that you care,” she said.
About Kwantlen Public Relations:
The two-year public relations diploma program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) carries 60 credits in courses directly related to PR. Students are well trained in media relations, event management, issues management, marketing, advertising, and organizational communications, among other subjects. More information about the program is available at kpu.ca/business/pr.
About Cause We Care Foundation:
The Cause We Care Foundation (CWCF) started in 2007, after founder Andrea Thomas Hill and a group of other women volunteered at a Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter. Touched by the hardships and stories of these women and their children, the volunteers were inspired to organize and to develop concrete, effective ways to provide a ‘hand up’ through targeted outreach initiatives. Learn more about the Cause We Care Foundation at causewecare.org.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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