Established in 2006, this fund supports animal welfare in Kamloops and area, children’s sports in Kamloops, and a bursary for mature women’s higher education. The income from the fund is annually disbursed to support:
- Gloria Fraser Fund for animal welfare
- KidSport Canada – Kamloops Chapter
- University of British Columbia – UBC Faculty Women’s Club Jubilee Bursary
A Fund to Help Dreams come True
In Their Own Words – Marie on her dream, Dean on honouring his late brother Ken, and how they hope to ‘pay it forward’
Marie Laroche – Realizing her Dream
After teaching in a religious order throughout British Columbia, at age 32 Marie Laroche left her convent to follow her dream of being an opera singer. She left the convent with only $800. In early 1968, she managed to get a part-time teaching position in public schools for a half-year before registering for a Music Education degree in September at the University of British Columbia. The Mature Women’s Office at UBC was able to find grants and bursaries to assist Marie in obtaining her 4-year degree through UBC’s Music Department.
Marie Laroche graduated in 1972 with a degree in Voice Performance. Marie went on to realize her dream and has performed as a soloist with the Okanagan Symphony and throughout BC. Through this fund, which annually supports the UBC Faculty Women’s Jubilee Bursary, Marie is ‘paying it forward’ and hopes to assist many other women in receiving an education and realizing their own dreams.
Dean Hirschfeldt – Honouring his brother Ken
Dean Hirschfeldt worked for Highland Valley Copper for 30 years as a heavy-duty mechanic, while 4 provinces over, his brother Ken was also working as a mechanic for the transit system in Thunder Bay. Ken, who is Dean’s youngest brother, died suddenly at 60 years old. Through this Fund, which annually supports KidSport Canada – Kamloops Chapter, Dean honours his late brother’s love of sports. Ken was passionate about sports, especially golf, as well as soccer – which he took time to coach. By supporting KidSport Canada, this fund helps ensure that every child has access to sports regardless of their financial situation.
A Life they Love – Dean & Marie Today
Following retirement, Dean and Marie have travelled all over the world to Jazz Festivals, including Holland, France and the USA. This fund, which supports their legacy of education, sports, and animal welfare is truly a gift to our communities here in Kamloops and area. Marie and Dean hope you will consider supporting their fund as they help the BCICF continue to build a better future for generations to come
