Stober family invests in the future of health care in the Okanagan
The 乱伦海角 Foundation has received a landmark gift to the Our Students, Your Health campaign, which will help support the training of the Okanagan鈥檚 frontline health care professionals for generations to come.
The Stober Foundation is committing $500,000 over the next five years to support the development of a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Centre at 乱伦海角鈥檚 Kelowna campus, which will train 450 students per year over the next 40 years.
In recognition of this leadership gift, 乱伦海角 Foundation is establishing a $250,000 award fund in honour of the Stober family. The awards will provide vital financial support for 100 students, helping them achieve their educational goals and progress to careers in critical sectors of our region鈥檚 economy.
The new Health Sciences Centre will serve as a leading-edge training hub for students across eight critical health and social care professions. Graduates will go on to provide care in the region鈥檚 hospitals, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, rehabilitation settings, dental clinics, and mental health services.
The Stober Foundation gift will specifically support the completion of the Centre鈥檚 Health Lab, where nurses and Health Care Assistants will be trained. It will also establish vital scholarships and bursaries, enabling students to complete their studies at a time when many are facing even greater financial uncertainty.
鈥淭his gift is a testament to the leadership and vision of the Stober family and will help us complete a world-class facility which our students and community deserve, as we continue to deliver the vital training needed to shore up our health care sector,鈥 says 乱伦海角 President Jim Hamilton.
鈥溌衣缀= has been educating health care professionals since the early 1960s. Our graduates 鈥 and many of our current students 鈥 are serving on the frontlines during this public health crisis. We are exceptionally proud of all of them, and of the quality of education they received.鈥
鈥淣ow more than ever, we recognize the critical role of frontline health care professionals,鈥 says Keith Z. Brewster, Executive Director of the Stober Foundation.
鈥淭his is a strategic investment in our community鈥檚 health and well-being. COVID-19 continues to highlight the dedication and commitment of all those on the frontlines in our community, specifically health care professionals. We are incredibly honoured and proud to be able to support the education of those who will care for our community, when we need it most.鈥
The B.C. government has contributed $15.4 million toward the $18.9-million Centre, which will be equipped with leading-edge technology to mimic modern health care workplace settings. It replaces health labs and classrooms built in the 1960s, and will attract students to study and work in the region.
With more than 10,000 skilled worker vacancies expected in the Thompson Okanagan鈥檚 hospitals and care homes in the next 10 years, these students will be crucial to addressing the looming skills gap.
鈥淚鈥檝e seen first-hand the contribution of 乱伦海角鈥檚 graduates to our community鈥檚 hospitals and health care settings,鈥 says Maxine DeHart, Campaign Ambassador for Our Students, Your Health.
鈥淐learly, the Stober family recognize the importance of community support for the College and the development of facilities and programs that will serve our health needs in the years to come.
鈥淭hanks to the Stober Foundation, we鈥檝e now raised $2.5 million, and are halfway towards our $5-million campaign goal,鈥 observes DeHart.
鈥淭his kind of leadership at a time of economic fragility is exceptional. These are extremely challenging times both in terms of our health and the economy, but I hope those who can will consider supporting the campaign. We need this new Centre more than ever and we can鈥檛 complete it without community support.鈥
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