Algonquin Alumnus Jason Blaine Rocks PMC for Charity

Posted on Tuesday, June 24th, 2014

Jason Blaine is one of Canada’s top Country music recording artists! He is also a Pembroke native and a graduate of Algonquin College’s Business program and recently he did what more college graduates should be doing! He gave back to his college and his community.

In the United States, alumni play a huge role in supporting the overall well being of the institution that they graduated from. In Canada, there are a few universities such as St. FX in Antigonish, Nova Scotia and Queens in Kingston, Ontario, that have a strong hold on their alumni, but most Canadian colleges and universities struggle with alumni relations. Unfortunately, most graduates move on with their lives after finishing up their schooling, and don’t keep their connection to their alma matter.

Recently, Blaine, who has lived in Nashville, Tennessee for several years, came back to his hometown of Pembroke to hold his first charity concert and golf tournament. The event was a resounding success, raising $50,000 for local charities including Algonquin College’s new Pembroke Campus capital campaign and the Boys and Girls Club of Pembroke.

Jason Blaine with celebrity friends Kira Isabella and Gord Bamford

Married, with three young children, a crazy travel schedule, the pressure to write and record more hit songs, and all of the challenges that come with living a public life, Blaine didn’t have to spend the hundreds of hours required to plan and execute a great concert and golf tournament event, but he did! Why? Because his hometown and the college he graduated from, matter to him.

Not every post-secondary graduate has the profile that Jason Blaine does, but every one of them can make a difference at the college they graduated from. Whether it is taking the time to visit future classes to share their college and work experiences with students, or making a financial contribution to a bursary program or a capital project, both time and financial gifts contribute to the success of a school.

Jason Blaine thanks golfers at his first annual golf classic tournament.

What Jason Blaine has done by establishing his own Charitable Fund is inspirational. It is also a call to action to all Algonquin College graduates to consider giving back to their college and their community.

Jason reveals amount raised for charity.

I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts on this blog or about other Algonquin graduates that are doing great things in their community. Please share.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger

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