SCHOLARSHIPS
CAILEN VILNESS ANGEL ART FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Cailen Vilness was a young man who lived his life with a smile on his face, his best foot forward, as well as his heart.
Cailen grew up in Kitimat BC, surrounded by a loving blended family. Cailen enjoyed fishing, camping, biking and anything to do with the outdoors.
At an early age, Cailen showed a strong talent for sketching. He later designed his own tattoos. His father Chris said “He wanted to build things and be creative through his work.” Cailen moved to Kelowna and enrolled at the Centre of Arts & Technology. He then switched careers to be a tradesperson.
Anyone who knew Cailen was drawn to his pure heart, integrity, work ethic, and complete kindness. Cailen was a man of faith, you could not have met a better young man.
On July 12, 2021 Cailen put on his new steel toed boots, a crisp white shirt, kissed my daughter Jaydean and hugged his golden retriever Ellie goodbye. He left proudly for work to go dismantle the crane on the Brooklyn Tower on Bernard Avenue in Kelowna.
That devastating morning, we lost our Cailen and four other men. The emotional torture and hardships caused to the workers, families, emergency crew and anyone involved has caused such heartache. It is time to heal.
Cailen was accepted into his first year of carpentry just two days before he passed, which was his dream. He was only 23 years young.
So, within the spirit of Cailen, he put his best foot forward as well as his heart. We would like to give back and are offering you an opportunity to walk forward into your goals and dreams.
The Cailen Vilness Angel Art Foundation Scholarship supports a male student entering their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th year in the Field of Fine Arts at UBCO or Okanagan College or any year of Carpentry at Okanagan College.
Tell us about yourself and why you feel you would be someone deserving this gift. You will have our support and an angel by your side smiling.
Best of Luck, Cherie.
Cherie Rousson, Founder along with: Chris Vilness, Honorary Chair & Erika Braham, Secretary, and Connor, Corsen, Jaydean, Alanna, Danielle, Hayley, and Family are all Honorary Members of the Cailen Vilness Angel Art Foundation.
There will be one $5000 scholarship available.
Application Deadline: May 5, 2025
