College of the Rockies health care assistant student Garth Penner recently received a bursary in honour of Garth and Carrie Oko.
Presented by Kory Oko, this bursary is a celebration of his parents’ lives. Carrie was a nurse in the Creston Valley, moving here with Garth in 1973. She had a special gift of nursing, and her passion for compassionate care was a huge influence in the teaching and mentoring of the College HCA students. Garth was an orchardist extraordinaire, often donating a box of fruit to the students at the college. People loved to work for him, for not only was he fair and honest, but he was kind and had a great wry sense of humour.
COTR extends its appreciation to Kory and Chad Oko for honouring their parents with a legacy like this, which helps a student achieve a goal of becoming a health care assistant, caring for people with kindness and compassion.
The Creston Valley Gleaners Society once again presented two deserving students, Tammy Ahlefeld and Jordan Koop, with bursaries of $1,000 each. Gleaners is operated by approximately 100 volunteers, all with the goal of lending a hand where most needed.
Anybody who has visited either Gleaners or Gleaners Too will be amazed at the quality and variety their stores have. Besides housing the food bank and a large array of good quality clothing and merchandise, Gleaners also supports the community with much more. Every year donations are allocated to help seniors, children, pets — anybody in need. COTR extends its appreciation to Gleaners for its generous support for the health care assistant students.
Gleaners is always looking for more volunteers, and as Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
—COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES