August 14, 2006

Burns Lake has become only thesecond community in northern British Columbia to fulfill its pledge to the NorthernMedical Programs Trust, a fundraising initiative to support students in theNorthern Medical Program. The accomplishment was marked today by UNBC PresidentDon Cozzetto, who was in Burns Lake as part of a tour ofcommunities in northwestern BC.

Combininglocal efforts with some corporate fundraising led by UNBC, Burns Lake’stotal contribution to the NMPT currently stands at just over $65,700 –significantly higher than its pledge of $53,060. More than two-dozen northernBC communities have made pledges to the NMPT based on their populations. Thepledge amounts range from $7500 (Wells) to $2 million (Prince George) with the goal of raising atotal endowment of $6 million. To date, a total of $3.8 million has beenraised. This year, $50,000 was awarded to the students in the Northern MedicalProgram.

“I would like to say ‘Thank you’ to the citizens of the Lakes Districtfor their generous support of this program,” says Burns Lake Mayor BerniceMagee. “The fund-raising team – a committee of community members – has beenassisted by the local schools, businesses, industry, and a great majority oflocal individuals, all of whom have contributed to this trust fund. I ampleased to say that we have now completed our obligation and look forward toseeing the dollars at work in our community.”

“Thiscommunity has been exemplary in its local fundraising efforts and the studentsare benefiting most,” says Dr. Cozzetto. “UNBC extends a heartfelt thank you tothe citizens of Burns Lake, to Mayor BerniceMagee, and her predecessor, Paul Jean. The whole North will benefit from the NorthernMedical Program and this Trust.”

TheNorthern Medical Program is part of the UBC Faculty of Medicine delivered inpartnership with UNBC. The program is vital to meeting the critical needof northern communities for health care professionals. The curriculum is beingdelivered through a combination of cutting-edge videoconference and internettechnology, face-to-face instruction, and learning from local doctors invarious health care settings throughout northern BC.

The NMPT is a partnership of northern BC communities and UNBC to providefinancial support to medical students interested in practicing in northern andrural communities. Tumbler Ridge was the first community to fulfill its pledgeamount. 

Contact:

Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622