RCMP Constable Funds New Scholarship

Moved by a lifelong interest in helping people with disabilities, Royal Canadian Mounted Police constable Allen Rodgers decided to start a scholarship at the University of Toronto that would enable students with disabilities to further their education.

“I know there are major expenses with disabilities,” says Constable Rodgers. “My goal was to raise $10,000 and to have it matched by the university.”

Through a series of picnics held at his RCMP detachment near Pearson International Airport, Constable Rodgers raised some money, but not enough. Then he came up with the idea to purchase RCMP copyrighted items, such as pins and caps, to sell in shopping malls and in Terminal Two at the airport. In 16 months, he raised the money he needed to set up the Allen Angus Rodgers Wheelchair Athletes’ Disability Bursaries.

“The fund has already gone a long way, helping three students just last year,” Constable Rodgers says.

Mahadeo Sukhai is a doctoral candidate in leukemia research at Princess Margaret Hospital. He has low vision, and used his bursary to purchase a television he uses with a microscope and a digital camera to help him conduct his research.

Motivated to make a difference, Constable Rodgers was grateful to meet the award recipients. “My goal was not completed until I saw it come into fruition,” he says. “Now it has and it’s wonderful.”

To find out more about the Allen Angus Rodgers Wheelchair Athletes’ Disability Bursary, or to inquire about supplementing the award, call Rosemary Cameron, University of Toronto Office of Admission and Awards, (416) 978-7956.