OCNews

An organization that helps to inspire and facilitate a great deal of philanthropy in the Okanagan is supporting future caregivers by donating to the new Health Sciences Centre currently being built at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus.

The Central Okanagan Foundation is donating $28,000 from the Kelowna Home Support Society Fund towards the construction of the new Centre, which will educate Health Care Assistants, Nurses and Therapist Assistants, among other professions.

Marliss Magas sat on the board of Kelowna Home Support Society that created the fund in 1988 and managed it until the society closed in 1999. She praises the strong financial management of the non-profit society that allowed it to leave a legacy to the community. The surplus funds, which are held by the Central Okanagan Foundation, have been providing bursaries to students in the College’s Health Care Assistant program for a number of years. The new Health Sciences Centre was an opportunity to deepen their commitment to educating future caregivers.

“The new Health Sciences Centre is a great opportunity to recognize the values of Kelowna Home Support and support a community institution that teaches the values of caring and helping people stay at home as they age,” says Magas.

“We see community care becoming increasingly asked for, and we’re excited to have a new Centre that can raise the profile of meaningful careers in this area.”

The new Health Sciences Centre will feature a new Home Care Lab that will give students an opportunity to practise supporting someone in a home environment, something that is not currently available for students at the College.

“We are thankful to these two community organizations for investing in the future of health care for our community,” says Maxine DeHart, Okanagan College Foundation Community Ambassador and Kelowna City Councillor.

“We all deserve excellent health care, and this gift will make sure we can provide the best care for seniors who want to age at home.”

The new Health Sciences Centre replaces the College’s current health building, which dates back to the 1963 and no longer reflects the quality of education Okanagan College is renowned for. The B.C. government is funding $15. 4 million towards the new $18.9-million Centre.

The Okanagan College Foundation’s Our Students, Your Health campaign has a fundraising goal of $5 million to complete the building, purchase equipment and provide bursaries and scholarships to students entering high-demand health care careers. To learn more or to donate visit ourstudentsyourhealth.ca.