Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Foundation Awards Nearly $20,000 in Scholarships

The Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation (CRYIF) has significantly boosted its scholarship funding, awarding nearly $20,000 in 2025. This increase follows a trend of growing financial support for youth initiatives, with a total of $44,000 distributed over the past three years. The foundation awarded $10,000 in 2023, $15,000 in 2024, and reached $19,000 this year.

Rick Hugh, a board member and former committee chair, expressed gratitude for the increased funds, stating, “Thanks to an increase in funds this year, we were able to raise the bar again on the amount of money we distributed.” The funding primarily comes from the annual 50/50 draw held during the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair, which is a key event in the community. In 2025, the draw raised approximately $61,000, with half of the proceeds going to the winner and the remainder supporting CRYIF’s scholarship and community programs.

The foundation also receives one-time donations from individuals and organizations, enhancing its ability to support local youth. This year, the family of the late Baron Parker, a former NHL linesman, contributed in his memory. Hugh noted, “CRYIF was truly honoured to be connected with the Parker family,” highlighting Parker’s positive impact on the community. This generous donation allowed CRYIF to increase the number of scholarships available in 2025.

Scholarship Recipients and Community Support

In addition to scholarships, CRYIF actively supports community programs that benefit youth and families. For 2025, the foundation has chosen to support two local organizations: the Storehouse Community Hub, which includes the Cloverdale Community Kitchen, and the recent Ugly Potato Day program.

The quality of scholarship applicants continues to impress the board. In 2025, CRYIF awarded $1,500 scholarships to students from various local high schools, including:

– Farezeh Alhamza (Lord Tweedsmuir)
– Alice Chen (École Salish)
– Rylann Harding (North Surrey)
– Harrison Lobley (Clayton Heights)
– Tyas Mehat (Frank Hurt)
– Nixon Pech (École Salish)
– Zoya Reaz (Princess Margaret)
– Agamdeep Singh (W.J. Mouat)
– Sineth Rehan Thilakaratne (Lord Tweedsmuir)

Additionally, $2,000 scholarships were awarded to Jeneya McNab (Lord Tweedsmuir) for the Isabella Olson Rising Above scholarship, and to Sydney Vacek (Lord Tweedsmuir) for the Gary and Gail Grelish Foundation scholarship. A special “CRYIF Cares” award of $1,500 was presented to Mehak Bhangu, a graduate of North Surrey Secondary who has been a dedicated volunteer with CRYIF since Grade 10.

A Legacy of Support for Youth

Since its establishment at the 68th annual Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair in 2014, the foundation has awarded approximately $100,000 in scholarships and funds to support youth-oriented programs. Scholarships are available to Grade 12 students who have demonstrated a commitment to their schools and communities, with a requirement to be current or past volunteers for the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair.

For more information about the Cloverdale Rodeo Youth Initiative Foundation, including volunteering opportunities and scholarship details, visit their official website at cloverdalerodeofoundation.com.