The Don Ennis Rugby Fund was initially established in established in April 2024 by Glenn Ennis, former National team player and Captain and BC Rugby Hall of Fame member, Glenn’s partner Gillie, a former rugby player who was coached by Don at KSS, and the Central Okanagan Rugby Enthusiasts (CORE). It was when founded, meant to provide awards for student-athletes at UBC Okanagan, or if none available, students at other BC post-secondary institutions from the Central Okanagan area.
As of January 2025, the Fund has been repurposed, in conjunction with the Thompson Okanagan Rugby Alliance (TORA), to provide financial support from its endowment to provide funding to host the Provincial Regional trials for the Thompson Okanagan region. In future, the Fund may be used to support other youth-oriented rugby initiatives in the Central Okanagan. These may include player or coaching development camps and/or clinics.
Fund Purpose:
The Don Ennis Rugby Fund is intended to provide funding from its endowment for annual awards that further the broad objectives and purposes of Rugby Canada and the Canadian Rugby Foundation to develop and grow rugby across Canada, and that meet CRA requirements.
The Don Ennis Rugby Award is named for Don Ennis, a highly-respected Central Okanagan rugby player and coach. Don was also an advocate for rugby in his role as school Principal in the Rutland, Kelowna, and Okanagan Mission areas of the Central Okanagan. Don Ennis Obituary
In its initial form, the Don Ennis Award Fund will be used to provide educational assistance to rugby players graduating from a Central Okanagan high school and admitted to the University of British Columbia (Okanagan). In the future, the Fund may be used to support other youth-oriented rugby initiatives in the Central Okanagan. These may include player development camps and/or competitions that improve rugby skills and experiences for local high school and/or university youth players.
TO DONATE TO THE DON ENNIS RUGBY FUND AND TO HELP SUPPORT ITS AIMS , GO HERE
