My name is Kristi Hansen, and I was a Terry Fox Humanitarian Award program recipient in 1999, a little earlier on. This scholarship allowed me to enter the prestigious bachelor of fine arts program at the University of Alberta, where I graduated with honours in 2003.
This awards program is unique in that it supports people entering post-secondary education who have demonstrated a commitment to humanitarian work in the face of overcoming adversity in their life. As a disabled person, I am proud that I have been able to focus my work in artistic leadership and equity, diversity and inclusion in the arts throughout my career. This work would not have been possible without the support of the program at the beginning of my journey.
I ask that the Canadian government support the budget submission put forward by the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award program so that Terry's work can continue to live on in as many of our scholars as possible for years to come.
Thank you.