The first round of scholarships named after a late Coquitlam resident who left behind a small fortune for SFU students and medical patients will be doled out next month.
Dale Clarke, executive director of the Coquitlam Foundation, said her philanthropic organization will be awarding the James Gordon Stewart scholarships at its annual gala on May 29 at the Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam.
Before he died in December 2009 at the age of 83, Stewart directed in his will that the foundation distribute $355,588 to help people with Alzheimer's and kidney disease as well as Tri-City students attending Simon Fraser University.
Clarke said the scholarships will be handed out according to applicants' marks, community involvement and financial need while the charitable money will be disbursed on a request basis.
It is not known why Stewart chose to benefit research and patients with Alzheimer's; however, Coquitlam Coun. Terry O'Neill, the foundation's publicist, said Stewart left a legacy for people with kidney problems as his daughter, Marilyn Louise Stewart, died from the disease in 2008.
In a press release, Lorraine Gerard, executive director of the B.C. branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, said her group is "honoured and grateful to be named as one of the charities that Mr. Stewart's foundation-directed fund will help support."
Stewart lived in Coquitlam for more than 50 years and worked in sales, the fuel-supply business and wine marketing. O'Neill said Stewart "displayed a knack for investing" in his retirement years.
The newly created fund comes as the Coquitlam Foundation marks its 20th year. It now manages about $2.2 million in foundation-directed and donor-advised funds.
To donate, send cheques to PO Box 2, 1207 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, V3B 7Y3 or visit www.coquitlamfoundation.com.
