For Immediate Release:
[Richmond, BC] – Paper Excellence announced today that it is donating $50,000 to Vancouver Island University (VIU) to create a Paper Excellence student awards scholarship program. Over the next five years, ten $1,000 scholarship awards will be distributed each year.
Paper Excellence operates two mills on Vancouver Island—Catalyst Crofton and Catalyst Port Alberni—and one mill on the Sunshine Coast—Howe Sound Pulp & Paper. The awards are meant to encourage and recognize Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast youth. They will be available to students with a demonstrated strong work ethic and a positive attitude who have enrolled in programs related to the operation of a pulp mill such as heavy mechanical trades, power engineering, heavy equipment operator or welding.
“As we continue to build our business strategy for our coastal operations, we know it’s important to invest in the community,” said Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety, and Corporate Communications. “Investing in young people and supporting the development of the local workforce makes sense for us. Vancouver Island University is well placed to provide this training with four campuses on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast and a variety of relevant programs on offer.”
“This generous donation from Paper Excellence means 50 VIU students will be able to attend classes with fewer financial worries and transition into high-demand careers in the trades,” said Glynis Steen, Dean of Trades and Applied Technology. “Once they graduate, that’s dozens of skilled tradespeople giving back in our communities and strengthening British Columbia’s economy.”
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Paper Excellence, headquartered in British Columbia, is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers. The company operates seven mills and a large-scale cargo distribution centre in Canada producing and shipping over 2.8 million tonnes annually with a workforce of more than 2,800. Paper Excellence is poised to continue to grow with its strategy of operational excellence and high-quality, cost-effective products.
Media Contact: Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications | media@paperexcellence.com | Mobile: (250) 732-7991