Hazel Education Bursary
The YWCA Hazel Education Bursary is intended to help women who have experienced gender-based violence to reach their goals through education or training.
YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Board of Directors, through the Education Committee, and with the generosity of donors in our community, offers bursaries of $1,500 and $2,500 to women who:
- have experienced barriers related to the impact of violence and abuse;
- have a dream to strengthen their economic security;
- are a resident of Peterborough or Haliburton County;
- seek to further their formal or informal education, or develop skills.
Please note: Women from rural areas will be given special consideration for this award, as per Hazel’s request.
How to Apply
Please complete the 2024 Hazel Bursary Application Form (PDF) and forward a copy of the 2024 Hazel Bursary Reference Form (PDF) to your two references. Deadline to apply is April 18, 2024.
Both completed forms can be emailed to Emily Jensen, Executive Assistant at ejensen@ywcapeterborough.org.
Hazel’s Legacy
Since 1998, the YWCA has honoured Hazel’s vision of helping women pursue their dreams and overcome barriers related to their experiences of violence and abuse. Hazel was a consumer, advisor, and volunteer of several community services. Hazel passed away in 1996, after a long struggle with breast cancer. Soon afterwards an education fund was created by friends and admirers to honour this very special woman.
Hazel: A Daughter’s Perspective
Hazel, my mother, was a strong woman who shared her spirit with as many people as possible. You will now carry her spirit too.
Who was she? A woman. A beginner. A mother. A shoulder. A leader. A past. She met her struggles and endured. She saw others struggle and showed them how to survive. She shared the roads she travelled, and the experiences and lessons she learned.
While battling the bout of cancer, she took us — my brother, sister, and I, from a life of domination and violence. We were faced with nothing, but what we were leaving behind posed such a threat that “nothing” was better than how we had lived. Alongside Mum, many have faced overwhelming battles and carried on. Rebuilding our lives through such hurdles as court, lawyers, house seeking, and remaining safe, she found ways to deal with her own pain on the side and showed us how to live this new life. These experiences she used later to give a chance to friends, colleagues and acquaintances.
When people met the strength of this smiling, laughing woman little did they know their lives would be enriched by her knowledge and life experiences. She overcame obstacles that stood in the ways of success. This carried her back into the world we left; only now she was addressing these family oriented barriers facing other women, such as child health, subsidized housing, and personal welfare issues. She befriended all those she touched.
Mum believed that everyone deserves a chance and that chances should be made possible. She learned to speak out and encouraged others to stand up and be heard. Today, you are receiving a chance to pursue your dreams. Perhaps you have overcome some barriers already.
Now you are being given a chance to take another step towards your goal. Not only are you making a place for women through your actions but you are also carrying her spirit with you. Thank you.