Future Political Leaders at Trent University Gain More Hands-On Opportunities Thanks to $500K Donation from RBC

Trent University students looking to become the leaders of tomorrow in government, politics and public service will now get more experiential learning opportunities and greater support thanks to a $500,000 gift from RBC Royal Bank.

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The new funding will support the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership program at Trent University.

The gift, over five years, will further engage marginalized and equity-seeking students, prepare professional certificate programs, and support seminars, conferences, national networking opportunities, co-op education and work placements through the program that aims to build greater trust in public institutions.

“Experiential elements are integral to the success of the groundbreaking Jarislowsky program, and this funding will provide Trent students with an even richer experience when studying politics, fiduciary policy and responsible governance,” says Kevin Whitmore, director, Co-op, Careers, & Experiential Learning at Trent University.

The program is supported by a $2 million investment from the Jarislowsky Foundation, which was founded in 1993 by prominent Canadian philanthropist and business leader Stephen Jarislowsky.

“RBC is proud to support Trent’s Jarislowky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership program – to help young people develop the skills they will need for a career dedicated to public service,” says Marjolaine Hudon, RBC Regional President.

Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Trent's inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, is at the forefront of this first-of-its-kind network of endowed chairs. De Clercy has joined the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences to lead the development of the innovative program of scholarship (teaching, research, and experiential learning) that will expand knowledge and training in the ethical politics, fiduciary responsibility, and democratic governance. Through the Jarislowsky chair position, she is enriching Trent's strengths in student-centered, research-informed, and interdisciplinary approaches.

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RBC Foundation Grants $10,000 In Support Of YWCA Crossroads Shelter & Nourish Food Programs

A $10,000 donation from RBC Foundation is helping YWCA Peterborough Haliburton address the growing need for gender-based violence supports as well as nutritious food in Peterborough and surrounding area.

“RBC Foundation’s generous donation is helping to ensure that women who experience violence continue to have a safe space to turn for refuge and support at YWCA Crossroads Shelter, while also supporting Nourish’s critical work in providing nutritious food and innovative programming to battle the chronic issue of food insecurity in the Peterborough community,” says Ria Nicholson, Major Gifts Officer with YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s.

“This year has presented our community with unparalleled challenges, specifically for our most vulnerable, so when we heard about these programs, we knew we had to help,” adds Scott Mancini, Vice-President of Commercial Banking at RBC. “The work being done by the YWCA and their partners is providing support where the need is greatest. We thank these organizations for making our community stronger.”

Scott Mancini, Vice-President, Kawartha Lakeshore Commercial Financial Services, Royal Bank of Canada, and Karalee Murray, Community Manager, Peterborough Lakefield, Royal Bank of Canada, present a $10,000 donation to Ria Nicholson, Major Gifts Officer, YWCA Peterborough Hailburton (Photo courtesy YWCA Peterborough Haliburton)

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Nourish has been working diligently with local agencies to get nutritious food to those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. Home deliveries of food boxes (both free and subsidized) have fed more than 225 families on a weekly basis since April.

YWCA Crossroads Shelter has remained open and continues to provide essential resources, safety and information around the clock for women and their children in our community. They are currently able to provide shelter for up to 8 families while still allowing for proper physical distancing and other safety protocols such as deep cleaning shared spaces between uses and allowing for an area of isolation should someone become sick.

Members of the community who wish to add their support for YWCA crisis and support services are encouraged to contact the office at 705-743-3526. Those interested in learning more about corporate and community partnership opportunities are asked to contact Ria Nicholson directly at 705-743-3526 x113.

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