UR Loved Bursary supports 2SLGBTQIA+ students facing homelessness

By University Advancement and Communications Posted: June 3, 2022 11:00 a.m.

The UR Loved Bursary will help 2SLGBTQIA+ students who have experienced homelessness and who require - or have required - the services of Lulu's Lodge. Photo: Adobe Stock.

U of R President & Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen has recently announced the forthcoming creation of a bursary for 2SLGBTQIA+ students who have experienced homelessness.

The fundraising target for this bursary fund is $25,000, which would allow the award to be given every semester.

The new bursary is President Keshen's commitment to the August 27 "Walk the Walk"fundraiser, a celebrity drag show featuring well-known Regina personalities, in support of Lulu's Lodge.

The bursary will support U of R students who require - or have required - the services of Lulu's Lodge, a 5-bedroom supportive transitional home for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth aged 16-21 facing homelessness in Regina.

Operated by the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS), Lulu's Lodge provides a live-in mentor, guidance, and support for education, physical health, mental wellness, family reunification, legal matters, and advocacy.

Lulu's Lodge, operated by the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan (JHSS), recently raised over $100,000 to help purchase a new home for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in Regina. Photos provided by JHSS.

"Lulu's Lodge meets youth where they are at to help them sort out the next steps in their lives and since the program's inception in 2018, we have been overwhelmed by community support,"said JHSS CEO Shawn Fraser. "This scholarship is a huge asset to those young people who have lived at or accessed services through Lulu's Lodge. It is going to change lives."

To date, President Keshen has raised approximately $6,000 to kick-start the fundraising for the UR Loved Bursary.

"The U of R is always striving to foster an environment of inclusion and care for its students, and this bursary is another way we can be there for them,"said Keshen. "Lulu's Lodge is an essential service not only for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but for our entire community. I'm happy to support this cause and I strongly encourage everyone to do the same if you can."

If you would like to learn more about the bursary and make a contribution, please contact John Tzupa in University Advancement & Communications at john.tzupa@uregina.ca or (306) 551-1579.

The University of Regina has committed to creating a healthy campus community and learning environment in its2020-25 strategic plan All Our Relations, or kahkiyaw kiwȃhkomȃkȃninawakin Cree.

Well-being and Belongingis one of the five areas of focus in the strategic plan, and includes objectives related to strengthening the University's commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Healthy Living, and Mental Health Literacy and Research. This feature is a part of the University of Regina's participation and support of Pride Month in June.