Image: Kate Bouey
Left to right: Okanagan College president Jim Hamilton, Tracy Cobb-Reeves of Kal Tire, philanthropist George Galbraith.
Okanagan College’s Vernon campus got a big financial boost Monday for its new trades training centre, currently under construction.
Local philanthropist George Galbraith and Kal Tire donated $250,000 each towards the Okanagan College Foundation’s ‘Bright Horizons – Building for Skills’ campaign for the new trades centre. The foundation’s goal is to raise $1 million locally.
The $6.2 million trades centre building will be named after Galbraith’s son, Kieran, who died nine years ago.
“He was a mechanical engineer who worked in the electrical industry in the Kootenays for Fortis,” said Galbraith. “It’s going to be recognition of his legacy.”
Galbraith expressed hope his donation would inspire others to contribute as well.
Kal Tire spokesperson Tracy Cobb-Reeves expressed excitement over the new 13,450 sq. ft. facility.
“We know all too well the value of well-trained people. We hire them throughout our stores in Canada,” said Cobb-Reeves. “And to be able to have a facility that will deliver the level of quality trades training that this facility is going to have in B.C., is fantastic for the province, for the economy and for organizations like ours which are constantly trying to fill the critical role of trades people.”
“Both George Galbraith and Kal Tire are renowned for their philanthropy and civic spirit,” said Jim Hamilton, college president. “Once again, they are supporting the community, this time through significant contributions to a leading-edge facility.”
The trades facility is “on time and on budget” with completion targeted for next spring, according to regional dean Jane Lister.
The college foundation also announced a partnership with the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan (CFNO) to allow individuals and businesses to make a donation to the foundation’s campaign.
The first gift to the campaign was made in May by Keith Construction, a Vernon home building and renovation company.
For more information or to donate, go online.
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