Congratulations.
The Cortes Island Community Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Dr. Emily Ellingsen Memorial Bursary and the Cortes Island Academy award ($1500 each):
Olivia McKnight - Early Childhood Education Diploma, Langara College
Minton Doull - General Science, Biology, University of Victoria
Sofia Auger Nybida - Indigenous Visual Culture, Ontario College of Art and Design
Amelia Stordy - Nursing, Baccalaureate of Science, Camosun College
These students embody curiosity, service, and commitment to community.
The Legacy Behind the Fund
The bursary was established in memory of Dr. Emily Ellingsen, whose care for others infused her work, her mentorship, and the way she moved through the world. Each year, a volunteer group of community members and educators, along with Emily's family, helps adjudicate the awards, keeping her spirit alive for students who share a connection to this island she loved.
Like many students, Emily relied on bursaries to ease financial pressure. Today's students, especially those from rural and remote communities like Cortes, face even greater barriers, and these awards help remove those obstacles.
Gratitude for a Community That Lifts Its Youth
Since 2010/2011, Emily's family and friends, donors, and the Cortes School PAC have kept this bursary going, 15 rounds of awards and about 40 bursaries disbursed. Going forward, Emily's family is working with the Cortes Island Community Foundation, which is assuming administration of the fund.
We Want to Hear From Past Recipients
Close to 40 students have received this bursary over the years. If you're one of them, send us your story, we'd love to share it. Know a past recipient? Please pass this along.
Thank you for supporting our young people.
Together, we provide care for Cortes and for the next generation.
Dr. Emily Ellingsen Memorial Bursary
Emily's annual memorial bursaries have supported Cortes Island students in their pursuit of post-secondary education every year since 2010/2011 – that is 15 rounds of award and about 40 bursaries disbursed.
Students who attended a Cortes Island school or home-schooled on the island for three or more years or completed the Cortes Island Academy Program are eligible to apply.
We are pleased to announce that going forward Emily’s family will be working with the Cortes Island Community Foundation to ensure Emily’s continuing legacy of support for Cortes students and community flourishes.
The Foundation will assume administration of the bursary funds and will work to ensure these awards and Emily’s memory flourish.
Emily Ellingsen
Emily Ellingsen (née Woolley) was born on July 27, 1978. She spent her childhood on Cortes Island, before pursuing degrees at the University of Victoria and McMaster University in Hamilton. Emily passed away at the age of 31 on February 19, 2010, following two rounds of treatment for metastatic cervical cancer.
Although her life was cut short, Emily was blessed with a rare capacity for living well. She passed away after completing her Doctor of Medicine degree, only months away from becoming the first UBC medical graduate to complete a five-year Psychiatry residency in Victoria. A lovely maple tree and memorial plaque in the courtyard at the Royal Jubilee commemorate her social and professional connections with the medical community there.
Emily was proud of her many accomplishments. She loved where she came from. She loved her family and friends. She loved her work. She loved her pets. She loved to run. She loved to row. She loved her life. We family members are proud of her accomplishments and think of them often. We think of her often.
These annual bursaries are a reminder to all of us of Emily, keeping her with us and in her community.
Whether you knew her or not, check out this beautiful article to learn more about Emily's story.
Would you like to donate? Complete the form and then choose a way to donate.
Donate
Credit Card / Canada Help
Use the Canada Helps form to donate using a payment processor of your choice
Electronic Transfer
Send to donations@cortesfoundation.ca
with the fund specified in the message field
Direct Deposit
Cortes Island Community Foundation
Transit Number: 02720
Institution Number: 809
Account Number: 100079056466
Mail-in Check
Address to: Cortes Island Community Foundation
PO Box 436, Manson’s Landing, BC V0P1K0
with the fund specified in the memo line
Wire Transfer
Correspondent bank
Toronto Dominion Bank
55 King St West
Toronto, ON M5K 1A2 CA
SWIFT code: TDOMCATTTOR
___________________________
Beneficiary bank
Vancouver City Savings Credit Union
183 Terminal Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6A 4G2 CA
SWIFT code: CTZNCA8VXXX
___________________________
Beneficiary
Account Number
02720 809 100079056466
Name & Address
Cortes Island Community Foundation
PO Box 436, Manson’s Landing, BC V0P1K0.
Vancouver Foundation Fund
Forever Fund is an endowment held at the Vancouver Foundation. This fund provides lasting support for our programs.
Other Ways to Give
We welcome those who wish to contribute their time, wisdom, or organizational support. Contact us for details on how you can get involved and become part of our impactful community. We can also assist with:
- Securities
Contribute through structured securities that provide income for your beneficiaries.
- US Tax Receipts
CICF can provide you with tax receipts for donations made from the United States
- Will Donations
Plan to include a gift to CICF in your estate plan, ensuring your legacy supports community initiatives.
- Organizational Partnerships
Collaborate with us by becoming an affiliate or supporting our mission through corporate giving.