Cowichan family launches scholarships to honor late son Xavier

The family of Xavier Rasul-Jankovics, a 12-year-old boy killed by a teenage driver while rollerblading near Cobble Hill, marked the first anniversary of his death with a community gathering and the announcement of several memorial initiatives.

To honor his memory, the family established two scholarships: one for first responders attending Simon Fraser University’s new medical school, and a full scholarship for a Grade 8 student at Shawnigan Lake School. Additionally, the Xavier Rasul-Jankovics Memorial Fund will support various community causes, including providing a telescope for Queen Margaret’s School, funding vegetable gardens for Nourish Cowichan and the Cowichan Valley School District to address food insecurity, and sponsoring local hockey and educational opportunities.

During the event, MLA Dana Lajeunesse noted that the family's advocacy has led to the introduction of ‘Xavier’s Law’ in the legislature, aimed at promoting community safety.