Annual awards banquet jump-starts Lacombe Fish and Game Association (LFGA) Outdoor Education Bursary
The LFGA has officially released fundraising results from its second annual Awards Banquet, held in March.
Banquet attendees received updates on both ongoing and completed LFGA projects, including the launch of the LFGA Outdoor Education Bursary.
“The Lacombe Fish and Game Association is introducing the Outdoor Education Bursary to promote conservation, outdoor education and responsible stewardship of natural resources,” said LFGA president Brad Pallister in his opening remarks.
“This bursary will provide financial support specifically for youth and women to attend outdoor education camps and assist students in pursuing post-secondary education in related fields.”
Net proceeds from the banquet totaled $32,108, thanks to generous community donations.
The LFGA board voted to match the amount, plus a little extra bringing the total bursary fund to $65,000.
The fund is expected to support approximately 40 post-secondary scholarships and 200 conservation camp spots over the next 20 years.
“Providing a financial boost for youth and women to further their education and experience in the outdoors perfectly aligns with our organization’s vision and purpose,” said Pallister, who also noted that applicants do not need to be LFGA members.
“If you live primarily in Lacombe or Lacombe County or are at least an Alberta resident you can apply now through our LFGA website,” he said, adding that two funding streams are available: one for youth and women attending camps, and another for post-secondary students pursuing careers in conservation, environmental sciences, wildlife management or similar fields.
In addition to the bursary announcement, Pallister shared an update on last year’s major fundraising project: a new playground structure for the Len Thompson Fishing Pond.
“The generosity of last year’s attendees, coupled with available grants and funding, means we’ll be able to install a new playground at the Len Thompson Fishpond. It’s been ordered and will be installed late this summer,” said Pallister.
The new structure will complement previous site improvements, including the World’s Largest Fishing Lure and the Accessible Fishing Dock.
Following the successful 2024 banquet, planning is already underway for next year’s event.
“We’ve built a foundation of corporate, community and membership support that helps us give back each and every year, and for that we’re grateful,” said Pallister. He added that next year’s banquet will include an update on bursary recipients and outline new projects on the horizon.
**With information from LFGA
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