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Vanier van a community success story

Corporate sponsors help students get to and from events
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GP Vanier vice-principal Brian McAskill accepts a $1

In an era of increasing costs it can definitely take a village to help our youth participate in extra-curricular activities.

In an effort to decrease the ever-growing transportation costs, several local businesses and the GP Vanier Alumni Association are in their fourth year of sponsoring a 15-passenger van used by numerous GP Vanier student groups.

“The van has saved our students and their families approximately $10,000-$12,000 a year in transportation costs,” said  GP Vanier vice-principal Brian McAskill. “It has allowed many of our students to participate in extra-curricular activities that might not have been able to under full costs.”

McAskill pointed to the financial support of local businesses and the on-going generosity of the Brian McLean’s dealership  as major reasons leading to the success of the GP Vanier Van.

“The local businesses and the GP Vanier Alumni Association have supported the van from its beginning,” said McAskill. “The van requires payments, maintenance and upgrades as it is used extensively throughout the school year.”

The GP Vanier Alumni Association was the brainchild of Murray McRae (a vice-principal at GP Vanier at the time and current Glacier View Learning Centre principal) and Susan and John Stoyles (both Vanier grads) following the 40th anniversary of GP Vanier Secondary in 2008.

“The GP Vanier Alumni Association has a mission to aid past, current and future GP Vanier students and their families,” stated McAskill.

Local businesses Brian McLean, Mt. Washington, AFC Construction, Reliable Auto Body, Speedpro Signs, First Insurance, Dunn Right Towing and Home Hardware all provide financial sponsorship on an annual basis towards the van.

The GP Vanier Alumni Association has a major fundraiser every year providing parking on the GP Vanier parking lot during the annual Vancouver Island Music Fest.

For more information on the GP Vanier Alumni Association contact Brian McAskill at Brian.McAskill@sd71.bc.ca