The Yellowknife Community Foundation has just established a new Fund for students who are on their way to a career in veterinary care.
Known as Bella’s Veterinary Student Award Fund, this new Fund is not named for a person or an event, but is instead named after Amanda Mallon’s beloved dog, Bella. A husky-beagle mix that was rescued by the NWT SPCA, Bella passed away in 2024, but lived a healthy twelve years bringing love and joy to both her human companion and others around her.
Korry Garvey, the Executive Director of the Yellowknife Community Foundation, explained that after Bella’s passing, Mallon reached out to the YCF to discuss the possibility of establishing this Fund.
“There’s so many pets here, and we just want to make sure that there’s enough vets and vet techs that live and work in the NWT so that local pets and animals can get care without having to go to Edmonton or somewhere else for big surgeries”
Garvey explained that this Fund is not something that community members can nominate each other for, but rather one that students will have to earn.
“It’s open for students that are actively, or in the upcoming school year, enrolled in veterinary medicine, vet tech, or vet assistance programs. Our student awards application period is open right now, and closes on May 31st.”
While this is the first year of the Fund being open, Garvey explained that so long as the recipient remains in their chosen veterinary field, they will remain eligible to receive money, which amounts to $5,000 per year.
In addition to the Fund, the YCF has opened up a submission page for local residents to share pictures and stories of their own beloved animals. As Bella is remembered for her energetic and loving nature, the YCF is encouraging others to share their own stories of beloved pets who have passed on. These submissions will then be highlighted on the YCF website.
Any eligible students who wish to apply for the Fund can find the forms here. Meanwhile, any other members of the public who wish to donate to the Fund can do so here. Stories and photos of passed pets can be submitted without a donation.
