Bursaries

About

The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund Bursaries were initiated by philanthropic families across BC to support the continued learning of the burn survivor community in British Columbia and Yukon. We are extremely grateful for the generosity from our donors who enable the bursary funds to continue year after year. We encourage burn survivors from BC and the Yukon who are continuing or pursuing their post-secondary education to apply for a bursary.

Bursary Criteria

• A burn survivor who was hospitalized due to their burn injuries. (For the Kris Biggs Leadership Bursary- you do not have to be a burn survivor to apply, this bursary is available to Burn Camp counsellors or junior counsellors).
• Age 17 years or older.
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, landed immigrant or on refugee status living in BC or the Yukon.
• Completed high school (or the equivalent) or be graduating this year.
• Attending post-secondary education in an accredited educational institute in Canada (may be outside of BC/Yukon).
• Previous bursary winners are eligible to apply annually as long as they are still in post-secondary.

Bursaries Available

Oswald Howell Memorial Bursary

Responding to an emergency call in 1952, Captain Oswald Howell, Vancouver Fire Department passed away from burn injuries after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Dr. Charles Snelling Bursary

A leader in burn care and research, Dr. Charles Snelling, Vancouver General Hospital, was a co-founder of the Burn Fund in 1978.

Captain Alex Blake Memorial Bursary

A co-founder of the Burn Fund in 1978, Captain Alex Blake of Coquitlam Fire Fighters Local 1782 recognized the need to further develop research in the area of burn care and healing.

Owen Cantlie Bursary

Owen Cantile burned his hand on a fireplace resulting in serious injuries at age one. The Cantile Family advocated for fireplace manufacturers to add protective screens on their products.

Kris Biggs Memorial Bursary

In memory of Kris Biggs, a dedicated Burn Camp counsellor and member of the Adult Burn Survivor Community. In honour of Kris’s commitment to Burn Camp and the Adult Burn Survivor community to empower individuals involved in these groups to further their learning.

Kris Biggs Leadership Bursary

Kris was a natural leader and his family wanted his passion for life and making a difference to carry on. This bursary will be awarded to one dedicated counsellor or junior counsellor pursuing post-secondary education, who shows inspirational leadership for the young burn survivors who attend the Burn Camp.

Lois & Peter’s Campers Bursary

Lois Budd and Peter Hansen created this bursary to support their beloved Burn Camp graduates who are continuing with post-secondary education.

Dr. Ghahary Bursary

Lab Director at the BCPFF Burn and Wound Healing Lab (2007-2022), Vancouver General Hospital, Dr. Ghahary and his staff have done research to speed wound healing and decrease scar formation.