Penticton Auto Dealers rev up with support for Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies

Okanagan College Media Release

The Penticton Auto Dealers Association has helped fuel the fundraising campaign for Okanagan College’s Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation with a $10,000 donation.

The contribution was presented recently by Janet Parker, President of the Penticton Auto Dealers Association, and her fellow dealers, including David Newman, Tony Lunelli, Brian Calbury, Ken Huber and Hendrik Keij.

Yasmin and Rick Thorpe, Honorary Co-Chairs of the $5 million Centre of Excellence campaign, were on hand to receive the donation, along with Jim Henderson, the new President of the Okanagan College Foundation and Donna Lomas, Okanagan College’s Regional Dean for the South Okanagan-Similkameen.

“The Penticton Auto Dealers do a great deal for this community and this region,” observed Rick Thorpe, “and I want to extend my thanks and appreciation for this contribution to a project that will mean so much to the future of the South Okanagan and Similkameen.”

“We’re pleased to be able to make the contribution,” said Parker. “We can see how the Centre will contribute to the economic well-being of the region. It will provide more educational opportunities to keep our young people here, create employment, and bolster our reputation for a region that cares about sustainability and the environment. We know that those are goals we share with our customers and staff.”

The Centre of Excellence is scheduled for completion in March 2011. It will accommodate more than 800 students, and host a variety of new programs for the South Okanagan and Similkameen.