Carlo Billinger grew up, raised his family and worked in Mission since immigrating to Canada as a young child. His roots to our community are strong and as the co-owner of Rex Cox Men’s Wear for over 50 years, he developed personal and working relationships with a lot of Mission residents and businesses.
Always ready to lend a helping hand and give to any community group that asked, Carlo was tapped on the shoulder often. As a long serving member of the Downtown Business Association, Carlo was involved with the downtown revitalization fund. He served on many boards, including the Mission Community Foundation, and was involved in many major funds in our city such as the Mission Memorial Hospital.
At Rex Cox, Carlo was always helping and encouraging his staff to further their education and become strong representatives for our community. Now that he has sold the business, he decided to start a permanent scholarship fund with Mission Community Foundation.
This scholarship will be available to students who wish to pursue a career as an entrepreneur or business person. There are additional riders that will enable this award to be given to a graduating student first, if no graduating students in that field, then it can go to an adult student going back to school to improve their marketability.
The fund is open to donations from anyone who wishes to help this fund help students start out in business.
Carlo would like to issue a challenge to all Mission residents who grew up and went to school in Mission to consider donating to their favorite fund or even starting one of their own. He recognizes that the Foundations ability to help others starts with you. IF you have the means, please consider donating today.