Sometimes a little money at the right time makes a big difference.
The Cowichan Foundation, which hands out bursaries to deserving students every year, is raising money for its next set of awards.
According to Foundation spokesperson Mike Coleman, the group will be handing out about $11,000 this year.
"Basically we raise the money for distribution by Vancouver Island University to Cowichan area students in post secondary education. There are a number of specific awards. We like to get all our fundraising done by year end because that's when the receipts go out. With our fundraising in the fall; we're very low key," he said.
Donations can be made to the Cowichan Foundation and mailed or delivered to Coleman's office at 202-58 Station St. in Duncan. Donations must be in by Dec. 31, if donors want a receipt for this year.
"We're giving students between $750 and $1,000 apiece. It's helpful. There are some really good letters coming in telling us the difference this money makes," Coleman said.
The letters express all kinds of gratitude.
One male student said, "with this generous award, I can breathe a little easier with the extra help, bringing me one step closer to my goal of becoming a registered nurse."
Another student said, "I am an education student and a mother of two young children. I will graduate next January and begin my career working as a teacher in the Cowichan Valley. By awarding me the Cowichan Foundation award, you have lightened my financial burden allowed me to focus on school until graduation."
The Foundation really enjoys getting such replies.
"We know they appreciate us, but it's still great to hear it," Coleman said.