Kwantlen Polytechnic University Foundation Chair says funds from foundation were not used to pay KPU executives

OTHERS Ken_Hahn_201221491KEN Hahn, Chair, Kwantlen Polytechnic University Foundation, in an email to The VOICE this week said that funds from foundation were not used to pay KPU executives.

Hahn said: “You may be aware of recent media reports about questions raised by NDP Advanced Education Critic David Eby about whether funds from the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Foundation were used to pay KPU executives.  I want to reassure you that the answer to that question is no and allegations to the contrary are completely false.

“As you are likely aware, the KPU Foundation was established as an independent legal entity in 2000, with the mission of raising funds to create quality life-long learning opportunities for KPU students to achieve personal, social and career success. We are governed by a volunteer board of directors who take the upmost pride in assuring funds donated to the Foundation are used for the purpose that you made your contribution.

“Each year the Foundation is independently audited by a professional accounting firm, and in recent years KPMG has performed this service. Our financial statements can be found at kpu.ca/foundation, and within these you will see the Foundation pays no salaries. Additionally, you can visit the Canada Revenue Agency Charities listings for a full outline of KPU Foundation filings: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charitiesandgiving. As you will note, our administration costs are 0% and our fundraising costs (for last year) were 1% or $17,749 (the expenses of our annual golf tournament that raises funds for KPU athletes).

“It is disappointing that Mr. Eby did not contact the KPU Foundation to discuss his concerns.  Accordingly, I have reached out to Mr. Eby to ensure that he is aware of the facts.  I took this step to protect the integrity of our organization, which we all know does so much good for students at KPU.  We cherish our donors and the commitment you make to helping students. It is because of you, our donors, that many students who may not have been able to pursue higher education have been given this opportunity.”