The Strathmore Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 10 has helped two young women from the community pursue their educational dreams.  

The Legion’s Poppy Fund Bursary is awarded to students whose great-grandparents, grandparents, or parents are veterans.  

Local sisters Bree and Abbe Cockx both received the bursary which will provide each with $1,000 every year that they are in university.  

“Our grandfather texted us one day and he told us about the Legion’s opportunity and he sent us the application form. We had to find our great-grandfather's veteran number to apply.” 

While the girls do not remember much about their great-grandfather, having only met him while they were young, they are thankful for his service which continues to benefit them nearly a century later.  

“I’m going to the University of Saskatchewan, so it's definitely expensive now, especially with living too,” explained Bree Cockx. “I’m going to school for archaeology and anthropology.” 

Abbe Cockx will be attending the University of Victoria this fall for Visual Arts. “It is really going to help me with art supplies, tuition, and student loans which get pretty expensive.”  

Higher education runs in the family for the Cockx’s with two older sisters just completing their studies in dentistry and psychology. The two younger sisters are excited to continue on in their footsteps.   

“Our parents and grandparents have always said that education is never a waste and so that's always been super important to us.”  

Those interested in the bursary can contact the Strathmore Legion at (403) 934-5119.