CFJC Midday – Out of the Ashes bursary recipient shares his story

Day One Society was recently featured on CFJC TV Kamloops’ Midday, where Program Supervisor Leann Kopytko and bursary recipient Rudy Braun shared the story behind the Out of the Ashes Bursary and its impact in the community.

During the conversation, Leann reflected on how the bursary began in 2007 as a small, community-driven initiative and has since grown into a program that supports multiple individuals each year as they pursue education after recovery. She spoke about the importance of community support, noting that the bursary continues to exist because of the generosity of local donors who believe in second chances and new beginnings.

Rudy shared his personal experience as a recipient, highlighting how the bursary helped reduce financial stress and allowed him to fully focus on his education. For him, education is not just about a career, but about creating a life he feels proud of and working toward something meaningful each day. He emphasized that having a goal can be an important part of recovery, offering direction and motivation during challenging moments.

He also spoke honestly about the process of applying, describing it as both difficult and important to his growth. Sharing his story became part of moving forward and stepping into a new chapter of his life.

When asked what message he would share with others, Rudy offered a simple but powerful reminder: don’t be afraid to ask for help when you find it.

Together, their conversation highlighted how the Out of the Ashes Bursary goes beyond financial support. It creates space for people to rebuild, pursue education, and move forward with hope, supported by a community that believes in their potential.

Watch here