Image Credit: TRU

By Ashley Legassic

TRU DONATION

North Thompson heli-skiing operator donates $50,000 to TRU students

Mar 2, 2020 | 10:18 AM

KAMLOOPS — The founder of Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing is funding several new awards at TRU for students from the North Thompson and the Simpcw First Nation.

In a news release, TRU says Mike Wiegele donated $50,000 to fund 14 awards for students in the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism.

The donation contributes to TRU’s Limitless campaign to raise $50 million.

“I believe the future of the North Thompson Valley is tourism,” Wiegele says in the release. “Tourism needs more financial support and better access to professional development. It’s important to develop and create a source of employment for young people, to be structured in hospitality, business and economics, and to aid young people in the North Thompson to achieve a high level of service and international standards.”

Along with TRU, Wiegele’s company is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. He established his heli-ski resort in Blue River in 1970.

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“While the North Thompson faces economic struggles with the downturn in BC’s forest industry, it’s important to provide access to education for those who will enhance the future of tourism,” TRU says in the release.

This year, two $8,000 scholarships for Simpcw students and four entrance awards and four scholarships of $2,000 for students from the North Thompson will be awarded.

The donation also funds two Adventure Studies scholarships and two Adventure Studies leadership awards, and provides more funding for the program to purchase avalanche training equipment.