TRU launches fund to help students devastated by climate-related disasters

KAMLOOPS — Thompson Rivers University says it is establishing a fund to help out students affected by climate-related disasters.

In a news release, TRU says the idea came about thanks to the devastating wildfires that burned around Kamloops this summer, taking homes in Lytton, Monte Lake and other parts of the broader Kamloops region.

Kevin Loring, a TRU Distinguished Alumnus, and Lori Marchand, the recipient of a TRU honorary doctorate, contacted TRU about support for students of Kumsheen ShchEma-meet School in Lytton who were displaced by wildfire.

The newly-established Disaster Relief Fund will offer safe housing and help with tuition for students who have been displaced – either in Lytton or elsewhere.

The first recipient of assistance from the fund is Lytton evacuee Alexis Aleck-Brown, a first-year heavy mechanical trades student now living on campus.

While the need to help students driven from their homes by climate-related disasters is especially pronounced this year, TRU says the initiative will move forward into future years as well.

Alumni and donors are encouraged to contribute to the Disaster Relief Fund here.