The Damien Bessette Scholarship Fund was founded in 1988. The fund was started to honour the life of 7 year old Damien, who was tragically killed in Winnipeg on November 6, 1988. He was the son of IAM members Gerry and Mary, and younger brother to Neil. 

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Damien’s father Gerry says, "My favourite time of the year is when we award the Damien Bessette Scholarships to applicants who qualify.

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I am extremely proud that the Irish Association of Manitoba has taken on this task for so many years.

I was always afraid that his name would be forgotten over the years, but these Scholarships help to keep his memory alive and gives some financial aid to our young people of the Irish Club, which is very comforting to me."

Since 2007, the fund has been administered by The Winnipeg Foundation on behalf of The Irish Association. It is a deep honour of the club to be able to continue to give this scholarship in remembrance of young Damien. 

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To be eligible to receive a scholarship, an applicant must:

• Be a voting member of the Irish Association of Manitoba for a period of at least three consecutive years prior to applying for a scholarship, or the child or grandchild of such a member.

•  Be a  full-time registered student in a program of at least one year duration at a Canadian college, university or other institution of post-secondary training.

• Have not previously received a Damien Bessette Scholarship.

 

Deadline is October 31, 2024.

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If you are interested, e-mail: Bridgette Hampton at bridgo@mymts.net for an application form.

Thank you and good luck to all applicants!