“Art and Design education prepares students to solve some of the world's most knotted and sticky problems. At ECU, we believe that curiosity and creativity will change the world.”
— Trish Kelly, President, Emily Carr University of Art + Design
“This scholarship allowed me to complete my studies and present my collection at Vancouver Fashion Week. This jump started my career, and I am forever grateful to the Chan-Kent Foundation.”
— Allison Dunne, Dunne Cliff, 2022 Recipient
“I specifically used the Scholarship for materials and supplies for my 4th year final collection. Rigor Apparel is technical workwear designed specifically for the film crew professional. It is a collection of creative, solution-focused apparel targeting the needs specific to this demanding industry.”
— Emma Samson, 2023 Recipient
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support through this award. Your contribution plays a huge role in helping me pursue my passion for design and production at VCC. Thank you once again for your belief in my potential and for investing in my future. I look forward to sharing my progress and achievements with you as I continue on this journey. Your generosity not only impacts my life but also inspires me to give back to my community.”
— Saffron Thomas, 2025 Recipient, & proud member of the Coast Salish Peoples, 10 years in retail and fashion, roles from sales and styling to design assistant and production management. "I would like to convey to your family how much this bursary meant to me and how it made a difference in my career. In 1982, when I received the award, I was in my first year of Architecture School at UBC. I was broke, wondering how I could pay for my next tuition instalment. Student loans are not quite enough to pay for everything. Your bursary made the difference. It was not a large amount, but it was the tipping point.
Since then, I graduated from Architecture School, became an Architect, then a City Planner, then started my own professional practice which I managed for over 30 years until my retirement a few years ago. I have also served on several Boards, including Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design, and Translink.
I have tried to give back to the community with the same spirit that was the genesis for the gifts bestowed by generous people like your family.
Your contribution to society is crucial for people struggling to better themselves. It certainly made a huge difference for me.
Thank you again, thirty five years later, for the gift that helped change my life."
— Cindy Chan-Piper, Chan Kent Foundation Scholarship recipient, 1982"I feel privileged and honoured to have been a 2017 Charles Chan-Kent Golden Wedding Award recipient. I am very grateful to have received this award and cannot express how thankful I am. This scholarship relieved me of financial stress, which allowed me to focus more on my academics and maintain a good GPA.
Your confidence in me encouraged me to always strive for excellence and motivated me to always do my best. I graduated "with distinction" from the Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and successfully started my career in the industry shortly after completion. Thank you for investing in my future. Your generosity and willingness to support me is highly valued and forever appreciated."
— Jennifer Callihoo, Chan Kent Foundation Scholarship recipient, 2017“We’re so grateful to be part of the Chan-Kent Foundation over the past 3 years. With your donation we’re able to honor Fashion students who demonstrate passion in the Fashion Industry, positivity, contribute to the classroom community, demonstrate a strong work ethic and a strong entrepreneurial spirit in honor of the Chan-Kent Foundation.”
— Vancouver Community College, 2024“On behalf of Dr Trish Kelley, President and Vice Chancellor, and myself it’s an honour to be here to celebrate 60 years with the Chan-Kent Foundation. It’s amazing being part of this history. It was apparent during a visit by the Foundation members how aligned we are, it’s really lovely to have this relationship form over the past couple of years.”
— Emily Carr University, 2024“I’m so honoured to be one of the Recipients. Honestly it is really hard being a student and also being able to be financially support myself, so it’s really nice to get a bit of support from you all. I know it’s going to have a big impact on me.”
— Avid Almazadeh, 2025 Recipient "Thank you for this generous support - it truly means a lot! I’m very grateful for the Foundation’s encouragement!"
— Sophie Wang, 2025 Recipient