You can help make it possible
Together, We’re Almost There — 93% raised!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we are $1 million away from our $14 million goal to make the Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre at À¦°óSM’s Kelowna campus a reality.
This centre will be a vibrant hub where students connect, children play and families gather to cheer on their favourite sports team.
At OC, we believe community begins when we come together.
The Recreation and Wellness Centre will be a place for students and our community to thrive.
Help us reach our fundraising goal.
Donate today
OC and City announce game-changing partnership
The College and the City of Kelowna have announced new, game-changing partnership that will expand access of the Recreation and Wellness Centre to the greater public.
Under the partnership,the City has pledged $4 million toward construction of the Centre, which is allowing the College to expand the original design and build a larger facility, with more space for programming.
“Working together with the City means we can provide the best options for OC students, and at the same time welcome others onto campus to be part of our College community, learn and grow,†said Dr. Neil Fassina, OC president.
The first phase OC’s Recreation and Wellness Centre, which was announced by the College in 2023, includes a gymnasium and flexible spaces suitable for competitive and recreational sports, as well as an indoor running track and weight room. It is fully funded by community donors to the À¦°óSM Foundation’s Thrive Here campaign, with $1 million left to raise.
Camp OC - room to grow
Camp OC is about building self-esteem and self-confidence, it is a place where kids get to try new things, make new friends, have fun and where they are challenged to grow. It is where learning from both successes and setbacks are celebrated, and kids are encouraged to try again and learn from their experiences.
Our camps have grown significantly in the last 20 years. We now have 500 kids on the Kelowna campus each week throughout the summer and we need a larger space where we can move around and explore.
With the addition of the Recreation and Wellness Centre, Camp OC will be able to expand its programing and include some of the often asked for sports camps that we have not been able to offer before, in a safe and healthy environment. It will also give us a space to be in no matter what the summer weather conditions are.
Helena Jordo, OC program administrator - youth programming
We're missing an important classroom
Many people are surprised to learn that À¦°óSM’s Kelowna campus does not have a gymnasium. There is no place for intramurals, pick-up games or tournaments, and no home side venue for the OC Coyotes’ basketball and baseball teams to train.
When the College community comes together to celebrate convocation – we don’t have a large indoor central hub or space.
As our Kelowna campus continues to grow with new student housing and modern facilities, we want to be able to offer the best College experience possible – including one that prioritizes student health, wellness, and active lifestyle opportunities.
Building recreation and wellness at our Kelowna campus
The Recreation and Wellness Centre is a modern facility for sports, recreation and wellness activities for all students, intramural and collegiate teams, staff and the community. The centre will include:
Key features:
- Multipurpose gymnasium for students, staff, and the community
- Competition-size court to accommodate a range of sport, recreational activities and community events
- Retractable spectator seating for 800
- Fitness suite with state-of-the-art equipment
- Two lane suspended indoor running track
Your gift strengthens our community
Our more than 60,000 alumni use their skills and education to power our local communities. You can find our grads building homes, fixing cars, caring for loved ones and contributing to our business and nonprofit sectors. We challenge you to go through a day and not encounter an OC grad.
À¦°óSM has a vital role to play in our region as we look ahead over the next decade. Provincial labour market analysis continues to highlight increasing demand for professionals who have career focused, integrated education and training.
When you give to the Thrive Here campaign, you're supporting students' physical, emotional and social wellbeing, and that sets them up for success in school and their career.
Team OC Foundation
Contact us to transform lives and communities:
Pamela Prentice
Pam Prentice joined the À¦°óSM Foundation team in July 2023.
With over 15 years of experience in post-secondary and nonprofit fundraising in the Okanagan, Pam enjoys connecting community members with opportunities to make an impact through their philanthropy.
The motivation to give is different for everyone, and it’s the stories behind the giving that Pam is most interested in learning. Whether it be support for students, a specific program of interest or a capital campaign, she guides the process of giving with care and respect for the donor’s wishes.
Pam is a strong believer in the value of post-secondary education and is inspired by the many areas of study available to prospective À¦°óSM students. Passionate about student health and wellbeing, Pam understands the impact of having a healthy mind and body and how it drives academic and career success.
Living in Kelowna since 2003, Pam and her family feel privileged to enjoy the many outdoor activities that the beautiful Okanagan Valley presents.
Sasha Carter
Sasha Carter joined the À¦°óSM Foundation team in August 2021. With more than five years’ experience working in nonprofit planned giving and 17 years in the insurance industry, Sasha blends passion and financial acumen to support donors in planning their legacy.
Sasha helps donors with identifying their passions and aligning them with projects at À¦°óSM, whether that be for individual student supports and bursaries, estate planning or capital project and program enhancement. There is never one size fits all.
For Sasha, it is paramount that she understands how her donors would like to have their positive impact felt in the world. By understanding the different methods of funding, whether it be through publicly-traded gifts of securities, a gift in a will or other charitable tools, Sasha helps donors maximize their philanthropy.
Sasha is a mom to two young boys, and is an avid competitive curler. She has competed on the provincial, national and international stage; capturing the title of World Champion in both 1995 and 2007.
Samantha Blandon
Samantha serves as the Campaign Coordinator for the Advancement department and À¦°óSM Foundation. Her primary focus is supporting capital campaigns. She is responsible for coordinating meetings for the Campaign Cabinet, events and tours for donors and the community, and supporting the Director and Development Officers.
In 2019, Samantha was recognized by À¦°óSM and her peers with a Service Excellence Award for consistently going beyond her regular duties and responsibilities to meet the needs of À¦°óSM and contribute to our culture of service excellence.
Prior to joining the Advancement team in 2013, Samantha worked with local societies and non-profit organizations. Her primary responsibilities were to maintain and grow positive relations, and to creatively enhance the service experience.
Samantha earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (with Distinction), with a focus in Finance and Marketing, from À¦°óSM in 2013.
