Okanagan College has officially exceeded the halfway mark, thanks to growing support from the community.
The fundraising campaign for Okanagan College’s new trades complex has raised more than $4 million towards their $7 million goal, and College President Jim Hamilton said it’s a direct result of support from various businesses, donors, and industry partners in the Okanagan.
“It has been very encouraging for us to see donors from a variety of areas and interests that have come forward to support the College as we build for the future,” said Hamilton. “From large organizations to families to our own staff and students, the depth of support for this project demonstrates the value our community places on education.”
“This new facility—which will accommodate more than 2,400 students per year—will be transformative for our students and for our communities as well, as we train the next wave of tradespeople in B.C.,” added Hamilton.
The Bright Horizons Building for Skills campaign launched in October 2014 with the goal of raising $5 million for capital construction and $2 million for new programming and student support. The $7 million in funds will add to the $28 million provincial investment.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com
Okanagan College began the extensive renovation and expansion in June 2014 as a means of accommodating the demand for skilled trades and technically trained workers.
Donor support is opening doors for students in more than 20 trades at the College, said Campaign Chair Dennis Gabelhouse.
“The community has really embraced the fact that this campaign is about much more than building classrooms and labs and hallways,” said Gabelhouse. “It’s about the impact that we all can make by supporting the learning that occurs in those spaces.It’s about opening doors for people through education and helping young people get a trade they can use to build a life for themselves and their families.”
Photo Credit: Contributed.
Local organizations and businesses such as KF Areospace, Pushor Mitchell Law Firms, Rotary Club of Kelowna, as well as several generous Okanagan families, have all donated much needed funding to Okanagan College.
The doors to the newly designed and constructed trades complex are expected to open up in spring of 2016.
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