Thank you to Marika (Year 44/2019, Canada-NS) and her family for generously supporting the diving and marine science programs as part of this campaign.
This past fall we put a call out to the Pearson community (near and far!) to invite support for our waterfront programs, ranging from diving and sailing to Marine Science, Race Rocks Ecological Reserve and everything in between.
We were delighted with the response, both in donations and testimonials about how meaningful these programs were – and are — for alumni! Several gifts were specifically designated to help us purchase essential equipment such as wetsuits and an underwater camera, while other gifts helped upgrade much of our diving equipment and support this beloved and historic program’s operations. We even received an in-kind donation — a laser sailboat!
We are filled with gratitude for the response to this campaign but we are still casting a line for a new marine science/diving vessel to replace the much-loved Second Nature, a trusty used boat that served generations of Pearson students for more than three decades. Time and inflation means that a new, or new-to-us, vessel could cost anywhere from $200,000 to $350,000 and we are currently seeking donors and supporters to help make this a reality. If this is something you would be interested in making possible, please contact our Director of Advancement and External Engagement Carly Milloy at cmilloy@pearsoncollege.ca.
Other key waterfront developments include and extensive renovation of our main wooden docks which have been decaying thanks to our rainforest weather and the currents in Pedder Bay. The first phase of this project – check out more details here on our Instagram page — was also made possible by two donors who helped us purchase durable concrete floats that were otherwise destined for landfill.
Our commitment to waterfront programs and experiential education was enhanced a few months ago when we welcomed a new diving instructor, Sam. Sam and his partner, Audrey, are now living on campus in what is known as The Octobus – a 40-foot school bus turned into a mobile home.
When asked about the renewal of our waterfront program Sam enthused, “I’m looking forward to getting our students out into the ocean with our new equipment. Experiential learning opportunities like the diving program can change a student’s perspective on education; it teaches them leadership, partnership, and respect for the environment.” Check out the story of how Sam and Audrey came to be at Pearson here.
Ensuring our waterfront program is safely operating at maximum capacity is key for our United World College nestled in the woods along Pedder Bay on the traditional territory of the Sc’ianew First Nation. Many of our students mark Pearson as their preferred UWC specifically for these ocean-based learning opportunities and for some, this is their first chance to get out on the Pacific.
If you have already donated – thank you so much! If you haven’t yet had a chance to contribute, you can make your gift online to help make sure our current and future students can continue to learn and enjoy our waterfront programs.