RDP community raises funds to support students

Through several recent initiatives, the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) community continues to support students in diverse and impactful ways.

The Polytechnic has launched its second annual Sweaters for Scholarships campaign to support student scholarships. Donations that are made to this festive campaign will help to ease students’ financial constraints as they pursue their personal and professional aspirations. While supporters can contribute to student awards and scholarships throughout the year, the Sweaters for Scholarships campaign will conclude on December 15, which is National Ugly Sweater Day. 

For every $10 donation to the Sweaters for Scholarships campaign, individuals will receive an entry into a draw for one-of-five custom made Red Deer Polytechnic holiday sweaters which were created by RDP alum owned Slash Sports.

“Through the generosity of our alumni, partners, employees and members of our communities, Red Deer Polytechnic offers more than $1 million in awards and scholarships to students annually,” says Richard Longtin, Associate Vice President, External Relations. “These contributions help to educate and train the workforce, addressing labour market demand and contributing to the economic growth of Alberta.”

At its recent Annual General Meeting, the RDP Alumni Association presented $10,000 to the Students’ Association (SA) of RDP Student Food Bank to reduce food insecurity for learners. With inflation and the higher cost of living over the past few years, the demand for food hampers by students is higher than normal.

"Our aim as an Alumni Association is to support the students at RDP in achieving academic excellence, whether through scholarship or a donation to the SA Food Bank. It is challenging for students to focus on their studies if they are worried about where their next meal is coming from," says Courtney Avram, Chair, RDP Alumni Association. “Our alumni know how difficult getting through their studies can be, especially with limited financial means. We hope this donation inspires our alumni to support their local student or community foodbank if they have the means to do so."

In addition, Red Deer Polytechnic has started its United Way Central Alberta Workplace Campaign. A variety of on-campus themed events have been planned to engage employees while raising funds to assist those in need. While some activities specifically raise money to support the SA Student Food Bank, employees have options to designate their donations to the United Way Central Alberta general fund or to a charity of their choice. This includes contributing to RDP’s Foundation which directs the money to the SA Student Food Bank. This campaign runs until December 1.