GR AT I T U D E repor t 2022-23
Cliff and Lois Serwa Thrive Here Honorary Campaign Chairs
WELCOME
Members of the OC Foundation Board at the Strawberry Social Health Science Centre celebration.
INSPIRING GIVING We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering support and belief in the potential of our students. Your generous contributions do more than just support our students, they ignite the spark that fuels transformative journeys. Every dollar you invest is a testament to the faith you have in the power of education. It represents hope for a student striving against the odds, embracing their dreams and creating a brighter path for their future.
The ripple effect of your generosity extends far beyond our college walls. These students, bolstered by your faith in them, become the changemakers, leaders, and contributors that our community so greatly benefits from. With every donation, you’re not only nurturing a student’s dream but also planting the seeds for a stronger, more vibrant community.
On behalf of the staff and Directors, we are full of gratitude.
Katie Newman
Connie Denesiuk
Helen Jackman
Chair, June 2023 – present OC Foundation
Chair, June 2022 - June 2023 OC Foundation
Executive Director OC Foundation
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Your impact lives
here.
$1,074,664 disbursed to students
2022-23 by the numbers
790 awards to 478 students 41 new award funds created
I am so appreciative of the award I received. I thought ‘someone I don’t even know thinks that I deserve this!’- then I shed a few tears. It is so heartwarming to know that someone I don’t even know believes in me even though they’ve never met me or seen me do anything.
EMMA DONLEY
Coming back to school as an adult has been more vulnerable than I expected, and I have needed the encouragement of others even more so. Because now, it’s not just me that is changing my career path, I also have children and a husband who are making sacrifices and offering support to me every day. Coming back to school is not only my risk to take, but also theirs. So as the burden falls on all of us, the rewards are for all of us as well. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and for believing in me. It means so very much.” okanagancollegefoundation.ca
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Culture is shared
ROOTED IN GENEROSITY
BREAKING BARRIERS
Hawthorn, wolf willow, and sage are among the traditional plants growing in the K’nmaĺka Senqâĺten - Kalamalka Indigenous garden at Okanagan College’s Vernon campus, which this year was toured by more than 250 local school children, thanks to a generous gift from TD Bank Group.
Scotiabank’s substantial $250,000 contribution to Okanagan College is catalyzing the development of two transformative programs that aim to build a more inclusive educational environment for youth.
The $85,000 donation will sponsor garden tours for hundreds of children and newcomers to Canada over the next three years. Tours are guided by Justen Peters, a member of the Syilx community. “My family has lived in the Okanagan since time immemorial. I feel a deep connection to these hills, to these rivers, to these lakes. I’m excited and proud to share pieces of my culture with students, newcomers to Canada, or anyone willing to listen.” 4
Gateway to Tech is a 17-week deep dive into technology for students in grades 10-12. This program has given Kiana Nazembokaei, a Grade 12 student at Kelowna Secondary School, the opportunity to pursue her dream of studying computer programming. The second program is the Gateway to Business and Community, launching in 2024. Gateway to Business is uniquely designed for Indigenous learners, focusing on business foundations and Indigenous community engagement.
Resilience thrives “Our current bursary is a way to effect change right away, and our legacy gift is a long-term investment in the wellbeing of our community.” ~Rick Boyd
TURNING PAGES A PATH TO CHANGING LIVES EMPOWERMENT Connie Denesiuk, former Okanagan College Foundation Chair, believes that education can empower students to re-write their stories and chart new paths towards achievement and fulfillment. When she published her father’s memoir, ‘Til Papa Returns, she committed to donating launch proceeds plus $10 from each sale to the Alfred Columbus Memorial Bursary for refugee students. This fund, established in her father’s honour, celebrates his resilience and determination as a WWII child refugee. More than $1,400 has already been contributed to the fund, aiding students with similar experiences of hardship.
Rick and Debbie Boyd are passionate about supporting our community’s most vulnerable. As volunteers at a women’s shelter and advocates for those experiencing homelessness, they see the pivotal role education plays in lifting people from hardship. The couple established a bursary for Okanagan College’s Human Service Work program, opening educational doors for students and empowering graduates to go on to help others. Getting to know this year’s recipient of their bursary award was inspiring for the Boyds. Their connections with their recipients are a key reason they have decided to commit to a legacy gift, ensuring students continue to thrive and the community is better equipped to support those in need for years to come. okanagancollegefoundation.ca
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IN THEIR WORDS
OMAR 6
Omar Tamayo Romo
Belonging is found It’s important for donors to know that the money they give helps in different ways, every case is different, the needs are different, but the money they give is 100% going to change someone’s life.
here.
Relocating from Mexico to Penticton was a significant financial leap for my family. To provide our children with a safer environment and better opportunities, we made the decision to sell all our possessions and use our savings to make the move. Before this, we hadn’t set foot in Canada. We took a risk moving to an unfamiliar place, but our hopes for a better future for our daughters motivated us.
By taking off some financial stress, the awards have also allowed me to focus more on my studies and help set our family up for a smoother path down the road.
For us, it has been a big change. In Mexico, worries about political turbulence, pollution, and social issues kept me awake at night. Now, Penticton offers peace of mind. It might be small, but it has everything we need. I see and hear and smell things that I haven’t before – like seeing the stars for the first time here, it looked like a scene out of a movie.
Okanagan College has also provided great opportunities to build my skills through my work as a research intern on a sustainable technology project. The project, a joint initiative with BC Beverage Technology Access Centre (BCBTAC), is an algae bioreactor that converts CO2 created in beer production into oxygen.
Even with both my wife and I having steady jobs, it can be tough financially. Everyone needs to eat, to be clothed, to rest. We have been really careful with our money, but it can be still hard to make ends meet. That’s why it was the best moment when I found out I’d received the Okanagan College Students’ Union Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Bursary and the Penticton Campus International Student Award. Receiving these awards allowed my family to breathe a sigh of relief. It took away some of our financial stress and showed us that our new community of Penticton supports and believes in us. It really reinforced that we’d made the right choice to take the risk and move here.
I’ve just completed the Sustainable Building Technology program. Sustainability has always been an interest of mine; I am an Electronics Engineer (graduated in Mexico), and I have managed many projects related to renewable energy and waste management.
I’m grateful for my internship because the job has given me the opportunity to work on campus and make full use of my education. There is a lot of flexibility, which allows me to fulfill my school obligations. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received! It’s changed my life, and my family’s lives, and it brings me one step closer to achieving my dream. One day, I hope to be successful enough to set up an award of my own to help other students achieve their educational goals. Update: Since this interview, Omar has accepted the position of Business Development Advisor for BCBTAC at Okanagan College. okanagancollegefoundation.ca
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Folk family’s $5M gift kickstarts campaign for Recreation and Wellness Centre It takes vision and trust to be the first to commit to a new project. A belief in the organization behind it and complete conviction in the impact it will have. In this case, it was an unwavering certainty that sports and recreation have the power to transform lives. It is this vision and faith that we are indebted to. It inspired the Folk family’s transformational gift. A gift that will result in Okanagan College’s Recreation and Wellness Centre on the Kelowna campus. Don, Karen and their son Rodney - a family united by their love of sport. Football was the family favourite thanks to Don’s passion for the game, while Karen also loved curling, racquetball and golf. Karen and Don could often be found at the golf course on a beautiful Okanagan day. As competitive as they were, it was the comradery and friendship that they enjoyed most. Sport wasn’t just about staying healthy; it was a way of connecting with your community. It was a way of being a part of your community. And being a part of the community, being instrumental in the growth of Kelowna, was something the Folk family did through their business vision and entrepreneurship. Back in 1971, Don acquired the local Chevrolet dealership. With a discipline learned as a 8
Recreation and Wellness Centre, Kelowna campus
young sportsman, for the next 43 years Don oversaw the growth of the dealership from a 15-car showroom to a major retailer of over 750 vehicles. In both a business and personal capacity, the Folks have supported countless sports teams, charity events and deserving causes in Kelowna. From healthcare to education, they understood that philanthropy has the power to elevate everyone to realize their potential. So, it should be no surprise that when the time came to support the community once more, this time by kickstarting a much-needed
Recreation and Wellness Centre at Okanagan College, the Folk family stepped forward to ensure students have access to the facility they deserve. They gifted an incredible $5 million. Their gift is the largest in Okanagan College’s history, and one of the largest gifts ever to a college in British Columbia. “Playing sport and staying active is crucial to physical and mental well-being” says Don Folk. “No matter the level – whether you are chasing a gold medal or playing for fun – sport teaches life skills, teamwork, and risk taking. It builds confidence and resilience, and forges bonds that last a lifetime.” Karen passed away on August 10, 2023. Her passion for sports and community will live on, as thousands of students compete, play and connect in the Centre, building the skills and strength to become the next generation of community leaders and skilled professionals. “Sports, wellness and recreation are essential in bringing people together to stay connected, learn and thrive,” says Okanagan College President Neil Fassina. “The Folk family’s gift is the driving force behind one of our most important classrooms, and we are truly grateful for their generosity, trust and vision.”
CLIFF AND LOIS SERWA Honorary Campaign Chairs When approached to support the campaign to build a much-needed Recreation and Wellness Centre at OC, not only did Cliff and Lois step forward and contribute financially, they agreed to become Honorary Chairs for the campaign.
“We believe firmly that access to recreational sports and fitness on campus will enhance the quality of life for the students at OC, and ultimately the students are the future of our community,” says Cliff.
okanagancollegefoundation.ca
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IN THEIR WORDS
CECELTA
Cecelta White
I cried when I found out, not just for the money but because of the validation that someone thought that I was worthy of this bursary. Of all these students, someone thought that this disabled 55-year-old deserved their bursary and support.
In recent years, my spinal disease restricted my life significantly. Being chosen for a rare spinal surgery, performed only 12 times a year in B.C., was a beacon of hope for a more open life. As I pondered my renewed chance at life, botany naturally emerged as a path. An avid gardener with a passion for reading and nature, I also felt a pull to contribute to Canada’s sustainable food production and housing. Enrolling in Okanagan College’s Associate of Science degree, despite financial and personal reservations, felt right. To offset costs, I applied for various awards.
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Winning the John and Nancy Woodworth Entrance Award was transformative; it covered my entire first year’s tuition. Beyond the financial relief, this award was a nod to my aspirations, making my decision to return to school at 55 feel validated. While I had my family’s unwavering support post-surgery, the award was instrumental in managing my tuition and essential medical treatments. My gratitude to John and Nancy Woodworth is boundless. Their belief in my potential brightens a future I once thought dim.
IN THEIR WORDS
KYLAMAY
Donors gave me the support I needed to step into the next chapter of my life for me and my children.
Throughout my life, I’ve worked in a lot of jobs that didn’t pay a living wage. I knew I needed to go back to school, but I wanted to wait until my daughters were a bit older. Even though my family has a history in carpentry, I never considered it as a career until recently. The Women in Trades Training program opened my eyes to the possibilities, but I’ve faced a lot of barriers that mean I need a bit of extra help to make education possible. I’ve experienced homelessness and spent some time living with my children in a women’s shelter. Receiving bursaries and awards has been lifechanging! It’s made it possible for me to go back to school while continuing to support my family. The money helped me buy groceries, pay daycare expenses, and cover the costs of bills, tuition and program supplies.
Kylamay Whitebear
The Women in Trades program made me fall in love with carpentry, but you can’t just jump into building houses you need a bit more training. So, I enrolled in the SISTERS program [a 30 week program introducing Indigenous women to carpentry] to develop the skills I need, including employment readiness and how to use all the tools. I love that working with wood connects me to my family. My dad works in construction and my Papa is a log home builder and an amazing artist. Now that I’ve graduated and have a new set of skills, I can find a job that pays a wage I can support my family on. There are plenty of job opportunities for me now! If I hadn’t received this money I would probably still be in debt and struggling to make ends meet. This money changed my life, and I’m incredibly grateful for the generosity of the donors of my awards.
okanagancollegefoundation.ca
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Community is built
GROWING SUPPORT
PLANT A SEED DAY
Lloyd Davies and Janet Armstrong graciously hosted Irreverent Garden Party fundraisers in May 2023, to lend their support to the Sunflower Childcare Centre campaign for the Vernon campus.
The Plant a Seed Day fundraiser garnered $160,000 for the new Sunflower Childcare Centre at OC’s Vernon Campus. These funds are allocated for equipment, furnishings, and a dynamic outdoor play area. The community’s contributions were exceptional, totaling $80,000, and, thanks to matching donors like Lloyd Davies and Janet Armstrong, the overall sum reached $180,000. Such donations significantly benefit student parents, enhancing their chances of graduation by facilitating affordable childcare access.
Nestled in their enchanting garden, these gatherings brought together a group of 25 guests who generously donated $14,000. The impact of these contributions was doubled thanks to Lloyd and Janet’s offer to match gifts. As a result, $28,000 was raised. Lloyd and Janet’s dedication and support have made an incredible impact on the success of the Sunflower Childcare Centre campaign. Their efforts have been instrumental in raising funds and spreading awareness of the project, and the need for childcare for Okanagan College students. 12
To date, the campaign has amassed more than $1M, with $40,000 left to raise. The centre will provide 44 affordable childcare seats.
Achievement is celebrated Creating a Legacy by Supporting Academic Excellence In the hallways of the Okanagan School of Business, the spirit of a business pioneer lives on. The John Thomson Memorial Scholarship in Marketing, established by the Kelowna Executive Roundtable, offers a $2,500 annual award to the top marketing student in the College’s Bachelor of Business Administration program. The scholarship fund’s endowment, enriched by Roundtable members, now stands at $62,000, ensuring its self-sustainability. Thomson was a prominent figure in Okanagan’s business and marketing sectors, deeply committed to the College and the nurturing of emerging talent. As students endeavor to etch their mark in the business world, Thomson’s legacy stands as both inspiration and support, promising to fuel the dreams of the region’s future business leaders.
Fourth year Business student Rebekah Dingwall with Rick Maddison, President of Kelowna Executive Roundtable and Thrive Here Campaign Ambassador.
100% IMPACT Did you know? The Okanagan College Foundation’s unique funding model ensures every cent of your award donation reaches the students. Contact us to learn more. Email foundation@okanagan.ca okanagancollegefoundation.ca
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MEET THE BOARD
KATIE NEWMAN What inspired you to join Okanagan College’s Board of Directors? It was our Executive Director Helen Jackman that really inspired me to join the board. She spoke so passionately about the work that the Foundation does and the impact it has on both students and community that I could really see a place for me. I was quickly introduced to the rest of the Board and Foundation team. Their energy and excitement for the work sealed the deal. What do you hope to achieve in your new role as Chair? This is a very exciting time at the College! With the announcement of the Food, Wine and Tourism building and the Recreation and Wellness Centre, it feels like we are at the beginning of a new chapter for students and the community.
As Chair I hope I can be a strong ambassador for the College and Foundation in the community by highlighting how gratifying supporting the College can be. There are so many worthy causes within our community, but there aren’t many where your donations can have such a positive impact immediately - be it through student awards or donating to one of the capital campaigns. I’m also hoping we continue to attract some new board members, as we’ve recently had a few terms come to an end. What are you most proud of in your time with Okanagan College Foundation? I’m most proud of the connections I have started to make with students, teachers, and the administration. Hearing their stories about how the Foundation has changed their lives or the lives of students they work with means so much. The awards and convocation ceremonies are the best showcases for how education and the College act as a catalyst for change across generations. Why is Okanagan College Foundation so important? What many people don’t understand is that community colleges can’t only rely on government funding. We also need community support and investment to deliver the workforce skills that are so critical to our region. The Sunflower Childcare Centre campaign is a great example of how the Foundation was able to take a very generous community leadership gift and leverage it to bring all the key stakeholders together, including Provincial government, to incorporate much needed childcare into the student housing on the College’s Vernon Campus – childcare which will improves access and learning outcomes for many student parents. For more info on the board, contact Dawn Douglas, Board Secretary at ddouglas@okanagan.bc.ca.
YEAR IN REVIEW INCOME $3,747,638
Total Revenue
Student Support
$1,291,301 $747,807
Program Support
$1,151,096
Capital Projects
Investment and other income
$557,434
EXPENSES $1,690,327
Total Expenses
Student Support
$1,074,664 $304,808
Program Support
Capital Projects NET REVENUE
$2,057,311
$127,383
Fundraising and other expenses
$183,472
Full audited financial statements are available at okanagancollegefoundation.ca.
okanagancollegefoundation.ca
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Dreams begin
here.
Contact info: Okanagan College Foundation Website: okanagancollegefoundation.ca Telephone: 250-862-5630 Toll Free: 1-888-650-6968 Email: foundation@okanagan.bc.ca