Couple gifts $500 to every Grade 12 student in Central Okanagan School District

Photo: Contributed

A generous couple has donated $500 cash to every grade 12 student in School District 23.

The incredible donation is estimated at a total of $1,085,000.

Parents and guardians received an email from the district Thursday morning at 10 a.m. making the announcement.

"Congratulations on making it through these last 16 months of extremely challenging times! We applaud you for overcoming the many obstacles you have faced from online learning, condensed semesters, loss of time with friends, cancellation of sports and very non-traditional graduation ceremonies and celebrations. We want you to know how proud your community is of each and every one of you for persevering in these unprecedented times and succeeding!" the email reads.

"As recognition for your efforts, we will be gifting $500 to each grade 12 student in School District 23. Please use the funds where you see fit, whether it be put towards your education, tools or personal protective equipment for the trades or mental health needs," the email continues.

The school board is working with the donor to coordinate the distribution of the funds which should take place in the "coming weeks."

"Wishing you the very best as you turn the page and start a new chapter in life," ends the email, signed "Lance and Tammy."

Castanet is working to identify the generous donors.

Eve Urban says she received the email on behalf of her daughter Cassidy, who just graduated from Kelowna Secondary School. When Cassidy heard the news, she was thrilled.

"She is saving for a car. She got accepted into UBCO Media Studies in the fall," Urban said.

Central Okanagan Public Schools superintendent Kevin Kaardal has confirmed the donation is legitimate.