The Helen McCrae Award supports students to achieve their educational & career goals in nursing. Helen McCrae was a former Dean of Women at the University of British Columbia who was a strong advocate for women’s education and nursing in particular. This year we received 37 exceptional applications and the committee has now awarded five Helen McCrae Awards. The awards range from $1500 to $2000. We want to recognize all of the applicants for their exceptional applications. Today, more than ever, we wish these future nurses well in their professional lives. We invite the community to support our fundraising campaign so we can continue giving out awards in the years…

Victoria is a member of ‘Namgis First Nations Band.  She is a peer support mentor with the BCIT Indigenous Services.  Her background as a paramedic has prepared her for the journey patients have into the health care system. Victoria’s ultimate goal is to return to her home community of Alert Bay and provide much needed health coverage, mentorship and leadership in the community for the indigenous youth of the Band.

  Insha has always volunteered – especially with women and young girls who are new to Canada and who share similar past experiences. She is a previous recipient of the Queen Venture Award by the Lieutenant Governor of BC. She plans to continue her nursing education and become a Nurse Practitioner with a focus on Women’s Health. Insha also has a strong interest in research – particularly in the disparities related to women’s health.

The early onset of an autoimmune disorder has shaped who Madison is today. Her many encounters with the health care system as a child and as a young adult encouraged her to seek nursing as a career. She has been a long term member of the Youth Advocacy Committee at BC Children’s Hospital. Madison’s career aspiration is to work in paediatrics at BC Children’s alongside some of her childhood hero’s and pay the care and empathy she received as a young child forward. Of interest – her mother was a previous winner of one of Soroptimist International of Vancouver’s Women’s Opportunity Award (now is known as Live Your Dream Award).

As an immigrant and trans woman of color, Arica’s lived experiences have given her insight in how the education and healthcare systems (including the healthcare professionals it produces) can be improved to better help, support, and protect people like herself. In addition to volunteering for various social and advocacy committees, she provides support for the homeless community in Vancouver.   Arica’s career goal is to decrease barriers that prevent queer and other under represented people from accessing culturally safe care and succeeding in society.