Donor support helps TRU fill critical need
Four Early Childhood Education (ECE) students at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Williams Lake recently received scholarships through funding from Gibraltar Mine, which is owned by Taseko Mines Ltd.
The goal: to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in early learning — a field with critical demand across the region.
“At Taseko, and at our Gibraltar Mine in B.C.’s Central Interior, we are committed to supporting initiatives that help people and communities thrive. Our Beyond Potential Community Investment Program prioritizes health and wellness, education and other community programs that make a meaningful difference for youth, families and the communities near our operations,” said Sean Magee, Taseko Mines vice-president of corporate affairs. “Through Gibraltar, we are proud to support the Early Childhood Education program at Thompson Rivers University and help address the clear and growing need for qualified ECEs in Williams Lake and the surrounding region.”
Sam Evans, one of the students who received the Gibraltar Mine Williams Lake ECE Award, was born and raised in Williams Lake and plans to stay in the area after completing the program. She says receiving the award was an immense help as she took a break from work to further her education.
“I’ve been a youth worker for the past couple of years, and in that time, I’ve developed a passion for working with children, so when I heard about the program, I was really excited,” she said. “It’s amazing to be able to grow my career in such a quick time so I can continue to support my community.”
The other award recipients are Taia Brown, Kailey Shire and Linda Zimmerlee.
Instructor sees benefit of condensed program
TRU alum Sheilah Olson, a teacher in the program and owner/operator of a local childcare centre, has seen firsthand the urgent need for childcare spaces in Williams Lake. Although the city worked to increase the number of facilities in the area, acquiring qualified educators to staff them was difficult. In response to this, TRU created an ECE program specifically to meet the labour shortage in Williams Lake and area. While the program is usually 18 months in length, it was condensed into 12 months as a way to get qualified ECEs working in the community quicker.
“We’re really hoping for the program to continue, so that we can keep having this amazing, fresh pool of educators working in the community,” said Olson.
Thanks to the support of Gibraltar Mine and TRU’s response to a community need, as of August 2025, 13 newly qualified early childhood educators will be making a meaningful difference in the community they call home.