Public relations students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) raised over $18,000 to support the Surrey-based Eversafe Ranch Outreach Society, the most raised by any class in the history of the program.
Over the past year, final-year students in the Richmond-based diploma program worked hard to meet their fundraising goal of $15,000 – enough to help Eversafe purchase a 22-seat passenger van to transport clients in need to after school programs.
The initiative culminated with a charity fundraising event held in Vancouver earlier this month. Attended by approximately 125 guests, An Enchanted Night featured a magician, silent auction, two raffles, speeches and refreshments. It was entirely planned, organized and executed by students as part of their coursework, which involves hosting an event to raise money for a good cause.
The class went over and above fundraising records and their own expectations, raising $18,350.22 for Eversafe, which helps Lower Mainland families transition from shelters to homes of their own. Last year, the graduating PR class set a fundraising record with $14,000 going to the STAND Foundation.
“We would like to thank all those involved in making this event such a huge success. The hard work of the KPU PR class of 2015, the generosity of local businesses who sponsored the event and donated items for the silent auction table, and the level of engagement by those who attended the fundraising reception will have a long-reaching impact on the families that we help on a daily basis,” said Alan Daser, president of Eversafe Ranch Outreach Society.