New Bursary Thanks to Generosity of Local Dentist

What started as a revelation at a meditation camp near Merritt has translated into a $5,000 boost for a Kamloops man turning his life around.

Dr. Ho-Young Chung, a Kamloops dentist, has donated $5,000 to Day One Society to establish a bursary supporting students in advanced education programs.

Since 2009, the society has awarded Out of the Ashes bursaries of up to $2,500 to people with at least one year in recovery who are pursuing an education.

Chung approached Day One with the idea of creating an additional bursary for someone in an advanced program. He said he was looking for a way to give back to people on the margins of society after taking Vipassana meditation classes.

Siân Lewis, executive director of Day One Society, said the organization is excited to expand its bursary program.

“We're just really pleased that we've been able to grow this concept,” Lewis said.

Chung said he hopes to continue funding the bursary indefinitely and would like support more than one recipient.

“I think Kamloops is doing well, but there are people who are marginalized. There are too many people out on the streets,” Chung said.

This year's recipient is Elijah, a 25-year-old Kamloops resident pursuing a master's of education in counselling psychology at UNBC. He did not wish to provide his last name.

“I have a history of substance abuse issues mainly post the loss of my dad when I was about 19,” Elijah said. “I got clean just before 21, so Dec. 4 this year, I've been for five years clean from drugs and alcohol.”

Elijah said the financial support is a blessing, noting he has already accumulated $22,000 in debt.

“To have something like $5,000 to put down, it helps so much,” Elijah said.

“It's nice to know that the community is rooting for you. You don't have to know Ho-Young, you don't have to know Siân, but there's people that support you, and that's nice to know.”

Originally published on Castanet.