Home Hardware joins the campaign to support the Centre of Excellence with $25,000 donation

Okanagan College Media Release

There are a multitude of good reasons why community-minded businesses in Penticton have joined the campaign to support Okanagan College’s new Centre of Excellence – for Paul McCann, the reason was threefold.

As the President and Owner of Pro Builders Supply Ltd., McCann and his team believe the new $28-million building and the educational programming it houses are worthwhile community investments. McCann recently committed $25,000 to the Centre of Excellence fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $5 million in community support.

“The Centre of Excellence is a great example of the kind of development that will build capacity in the community,” said McCann, whose company owns and operates Home Building Centres in Penticton, Osoyoos, West Kelowna, Kelowna and one store in Alberta.

“This building is a wonderful thing and we are happy to be a part of it. The number one reason we are supporting this campaign is because we recognize that continuing education builds career opportunities for graduates who then go on to add value to the community. Secondly, educational institutions such as Okanagan College are economic drivers in their own right. The impact of the building, the students and staff of Okanagan College all contribute to our local economy.

“Finally, the building’s focus on sustainability, green technology and the innovative programming that goes hand-in-hand with the Centre of Excellence is going to improve the quality of life for the people of this region.”

“We are extremely grateful to receive the support of Paul McCann and his Home Building Centres,” said Jim Henderson, President of the Okanagan College Foundation. “Mr. McCann’s businesses are recognized throughout our region as leaders in the home building industry and their focus on this community and the people who live here are evident in their ongoing success. We are pleased to call them friends of the Okanagan College Foundation – their support means a great deal us.”

Construction on the $28-million Centre of Excellence is now complete. The building provides space for 820 students from throughout the South Okanagan and beyond. Through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, the Federal and Provincial governments have contributed almost $23 million toward the facility, which is being recognized as one of the continent’s most environmentally responsible buildings. Citizens and Corporations are raising the remainder through the auspices of the Okanagan College Foundation.