Community Foundation Grey Bruce (CFGB) has announced that an anonymous donor has initiated a scholarship fund in memory of local business owner Sharifur Rahman, who died from injuries sustained in a serious assault outside his restaurant in downtown Owen Sound on August 17.
The new endowment is named the Sharifur Rahman Memorial Scholarship Fund and will generate scholarships to support Grey Bruce students enrolled in full-time studies at a post-secondary educational institution, with a strong preference given to applicants who either themselves, or their parents, are newcomers to Canada, as immigrants or refugees. Applicants will be assessed based on academic record and financial need.
Executive Director of the Foundation Stuart Reid said, “Sharif was a neighbour and friend to the Community Foundation and his commitment to both Owen Sound and local charities was exemplary. His death has shaken our city and he will be sorely missed. This scholarship is a tribute to his generous spirit and will do good things in his name for a very long time.”
Sharif Rahman has been recognized posthumously as the recipient of the 2023 YMCA Peace Medal for his exceptional contributions to peace-building within the community and beyond.
Scholarships, bursaries, and awards from CFGB are possible thanks to over $2 million in endowed education funds created by generous local donors with the goal of supporting diverse education pathways for students from our region. Donations to the Sharifur Rahman Memorial Scholarship Fund to help grow its impact can be made online or by calling the Foundation office at 519-371-7203.
Created in 1994, Community Foundation Grey Bruce has a mandate to enhance community vitality by fostering open discussion about local need, sharing knowledge, and growing endowments to provide strategic granting and support to a wide range of non-profit organizations. The Foundation’s vision is that everyone in Grey Bruce benefits from a vital, healthy, and resilient community.
