BC Land Surveyors Foundation Update

By Bronwyn Denton, BCLS, Trustee

It is with gratitude that I prepare this update for the membership on the activities of the British Columbia Land Surveyors Foundation. With our primary opportunity for fundraising during the in-person AGM eliminated for the second year in a row, the foundation trustees took to the phone lines to connect directly with land surveyors across the province seeking a donation of $100 per BCLS. See list of donors on back cover.

The phone campaign was successful, raising $38,699 and exceeding our financial commitments for the year. We appreciate each of you who took our phone calls amidst your hectic days and made personal and corporate donations.

The generosity of our membership allowed us to make a significant impact to our awards program in 2021, creating a new $40,000 endowment for an added bursary, bringing the total number of awards under our umbrella to eleven. This new bursary has been named the Robert W. Allen Spirit of Generosity Bursary and $3,000 will be awarded annually to a BCIT student in 3rd year of the Bachelor of Science Geomatics program who demonstrates financial need. To date, donations totalling $1,800 have been made in Robert’s memory.

A significant donation from the Robertson family in memory of R.G (George) Robertson, BCLS #407 resulted in the naming of the BC Land Surveyors Foundation R.G (George) Robertson Memorial Bursary at BCIT.

So significant was the response to the fundraising effort, we were able to increase the endowments for seven of our awards and increase the total value of all ten existing awards from $2,500 to $3,000 per year. You may ask yourself if this is a significant amount for a student, or if the Foundation really needs to have eleven awards presented annually. I can assure you these awards are critical to the students entering our profession, and here are a few words of thanks from four of this year’s recipients.

Thanks from this year’s recipients

“This award will support me in my second year of studies at BCIT in the Geomatics Engineering Technology Program. It is very encouraging to have this support and acknowledgement while I pursue my educational and career goals.”

“This scholarship will help me significantly in my pursuit of an education in Geomatics. By alleviating some of my financial stresses, it will help me to remain focused on my studies and help others to do the same. My greatest pleasure as a student at BCIT is seeing my friends and colleagues succeed as I have.”

At this time, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of our Chair, Hans Troelsen and Clerk, Kelly Stofer, and the contributions of fellow trustees Mike Taylor and Godfrey Archbold. Thanks is also extended to Ellen Wilson and Bonnie Kuyvenhoven for their administrative and financial administration for the Foundation. Finally, on behalf of the entire Foundation, we thank Robert Allen for his years of contributions as Trustee, and for his broader impact on the profession in British Columbia and beyond. ✥