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Bursary Founder - Sandra Wilson
Sandra Wilson knows first-hand the unique journey that can arise from the VIDA community. She isn’t just a VIDA staff member; she’s a Building Ambassador (“BA”) and resident in the community. And she’s risen to handle the company’s national accounts processing.
Her idea to create the first VIDA bursary program will now help residents nationwide get ahead in their educational goals. Sandra’s concept is set to make a lasting impact, as VIDA continues to revolutionize affordable communities in Canada. 
Legacy Recipients
Ambitious. Creative. Resilient
2024 RECIPIENT STORIES
Mohammad Z. - Halifax, NS
Mohammad is a standout leader on and off the soccer field. The second-year university student coaches at Halifax Soccer United, while pursing a commerce degree and playing for the Saint Mary's Huskies. Mohammad’s dedication to both academics and community is evident in his strong performance on the field and his active volunteer work. Influenced by his uncle, he’s passionate about fostering unity and respect through cultural engagement. With the VIDA Bursary, Mohammad will continue to excel in his education and athletic endeavors.
Hayley is a devoted mother of three and a passionate advocate for children and families. Juggling parenthood with her studies in Child and Youth Care at NSCC, Hayley has made a significant impact through her volunteering at the Out of the Cold Shelter and the Dartmouth Community Fridge. Her personal experiences have strengthened her commitment to helping others. Hayley’s leadership shines through in her family and community work, reflecting her belief in making a difference through individual actions.
Haley S. - Dartmouth, NS
Kennedy R. - Truro, NS
Kennedy is a driven 22-year-old mom and aspiring healthcare professional. Despite facing mental health challenges in her teens, Kennedy has shown tremendous resilience and determination. Balancing parenthood with her studies in Medical Office Administration at NSCC, she’s committed to making a positive impact in healthcare. Her personal journey fuels her advocacy for mental health and inclusivity, demonstrated through her volunteer work and participation in Pride events. Kennedy is focused on building a stable future for her daughter and her community.
Alex is an enthusiastic carpenter-in-training who’s passionate about woodworking. Living with his mom and working at Atlantic Superstore, Alex balances his job with his studies in carpentry. His goal is to excel in his trade and make a mark in the industry. Inspired by the early loss of his father, Alex’s dedication to his craft and community shines through in his hard work and humour. The VIDA Bursary will support him in acquiring essential tools and advancing his skills.
Alex W. - St John's, NB
Monica H. - Truro, NS
Monica is a resilient single mother who moved from Mexico to Canada to build a better life for her two young boys. Balancing three part-time jobs, while studying Business Administration at NSCC, Monica’s dedication to human rights and community service stands out. She’s actively involved in ENACTUS initiatives and supports local students with affordable meals and clean-ups. Monica’s leadership and commitment to inclusivity make her a strong advocate for creating a supportive community.
2023 RECIPIENT STORIES
Elsie D. - Halifax, NS
“You lose nothing by applying. And just like me, you too could be a winner. So grasp the opportunity to apply while you can. I guarantee you will have no regrets.” - Elsie
Elsie arrived in Canada from Ghana nine years ago, before attending Acadia University. She moved to Halifax in 2019 and has been a member of the VIDA community for almost two years. Elsie has big plans on the horizon when it comes to her educational future. 
 
“The next step for me will focus on big data research,” she says. “I’m doing a graduate certificate in big data. And I plan to finish my master’s degree in the next two years. From there, I hope to get a job in that field and build my career. Data has always interested me, so I wanted to pursue a focus in business data analytics and intelligence.”
“I have never felt more lucky and blessed,” she adds, holding a large display cheque with her supportive BA Brandi Bond next to her. “The news of receiving this bursary has truly changed the trajectory of my financial situation for the next few months. I am very thankful to the VIDA team for this amazing award.”
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Click here to watch the interview with Elsie on VIDA's YouTube Channel.
“Never miss a chance to benefit from opportunities and supports available to you, while striving to reach your goals of earning an education and build a great future.” - Anliza
Arriving from the Philippines, Anliza is a member of VIDA’s growing presence in Truro. A business administration student at the Nova Scotia Community College, she is a single mom raising a young daughter. 
 
Active in community service, Anliza also finds time to participate in the school’s Enactus team. And she’s Vice President of Finance for the school’s Student Association, while working part-time for Parkland-Shannex retirement living.
 
Anliza plans to finish her degree with a focus on accounting. And she aspires to join an accounting firm or private business. 
Anliza B. - Truro, NS
A breast cancer survivor, she knows how to overcome significant life challenges. And Anliza defines success as ‘living with a true purpose and having a positive impact on the lives of those who look up to her; lifting and inspiring them to be better individuals, by leaving a legacy that makes a difference in the world.’    
Janine Lahti, Anliza’s Building Ambassador and a VIDA staff member, couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments.  
“As the BA of a bursary award winner, I was extremely excited to hear who won,” says Janine. “Anliza is a hard-working mom, trying to further her education and give her family the best life possible. I was very proud and honoured to be able to deliver the prize to her. I had the chance to congratulate her in person and see her sincere gratitude.”
Kathryn H. - Oromocto, NB
“I would like to encourage my VIDA neighbours in the future to take the time to make their applications the best they can be. Answer the questions thoughtfully and with all your heart. Your passion for education should be the shining factor in your answers.” - Kathryn
With the encouragement of Margie, a BA in Oromocto, New Brunswick, Kathryn blew the judge’s panel away with her digital presentation skills. A 3D animator and graphic artist by trade, she plans to return to school to pursue a passion for film and SFX makeup art in the near future. And her long-view goals include becoming a makeup artist in the film industry. 
 
“I never want to stop learning,” says Kathryn. “I want to learn as much as I can every single day.
Winnipeg resident Zoee was thrilled to learn she was a winner representing the province of Manitoba. And equally delighted was her BA, Calvin. 
 
“I was so proud to hear that Zoee represents a building I help maintain through the bursary,” says Yearworth. “The impact this can have on our community is inspiring.”
 
Zoee is currently a third-year student at the University of Winnipeg, working towards completing her degree in Women and Gender Studies. 
Zoee W. - Winnipeg, MB
“What brought me into the program was a passion for change regarding the violence and sexual harassment against women, BIPOC and the 2SLGBTQ+ community,” she says.   
Beyond her studies, Zoee works for an Indigenous beading company. And her future goal is to graduate, and help marginalized groups find job opportunities, safe housing and financial stability.   
“I think that all goals are reachable,” says Zoee. “It takes drive, passion, patience and self-reflection to make a difference.” 
VIDA wishes to thank all customers who submitted applications for the 2024 Bursary program. Created in 2023, by fellow customer and Building Ambassador Sandra Wilson, each year the VIDA Bursary program helps a handful of customers in advancing their postsecondary education and dreams. Following the 2024 winners, a total of nine customers have received monetary gifts from the program totaling $4,500.