A heli-skiing operator in the North Thompson is donating $50,000 to Thompson Rivers University (TRU) from the North Thompson and the Simpcw First Nation.
The donation from Mike Wiegele, of Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing in Blue River will help fund 14 new awards at TRU in the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism.
“I believe the future of the North Thompson Valley is tourism,” Wiegele said, in a release. “Tourism needs more financial support and better access to professional development. It’s important to develop and create a source of employment for young people, to be structured in hospitality, business and economics, and to aid young people in the North Thompson to achieve a high level of service and international standards.”
This year, two $8,000 scholarships for students from the Simpcw First Nation, and four entrance awards and four scholarships of $2,000 for students from the North Thompson will be awarded.
The donation will also fund two Adventure Studies scholarships and two Adventure Studies leadership awards, while providing additional funding to buy avalanche training equipment.
“The Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism gratefully acknowledges the generous donation by Mike Wiegele,” said TRU Dean Douglas Booth. “This donation will have an enormous impact on the lives of those students who receive scholarships.”
“In addition to the financial support, the scholarships will also give students an introduction, and point of connection, to the Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing resort. Through connections like this, TRU helps students find their way in the world while also assisting local tourism operators.”
Both Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and TRU are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.
(Photo submitted)