The Health and Wellness Centre project at Georgian College’s Barrie Campus has received a huge shot in the arm from students and alumni.
The Georgian Alumni Association is making a $500,000 contribution to the $65-million project and the Barrie Students’ Administrative Council (SAC) has agreed to donate $100,000. SAC is also contributing $50,000 toward the Centre for Sustainable Technologies building that will officially open this September.
“We know firsthand how important the Health and Wellness Centre will be to students and to our community,” says Barrie SAC president Chris Treschak.
“When it is complete, another 3,000 students will be able to attain their diplomas and degrees in various health care fields.”
The Chair of the Alumni Association, Stephen McIntosh, says the one-half million dollar gift is among the largest in the association’s history.
“On behalf of our 48,000 alumni, we’re extremely proud that we can make such a substantial and needed contribution,” McIntosh commented.
“In addition to educating current and future graduates, the Health and Wellness Centre will provide student health care clinics to our community. The many alumni living in this region will benefit directly from these services.”
Both donations are part of Georgian’s Power of Education campaign. Georgian College staff members have also begun a three-month internal campaign drive that has raised $67,000 in only its first week.
“It is very impressive and gratifying to see the Georgian family of students, graduates and staff stepping up so generously in support of this new centre that will double the size of our Health Sciences enrolment while, at the same time, creating considerable economic and social benefits for the community at large,” says Georgian President and CEO Brian Tamblyn.
“Their support is leading the way and encouraging others to contribute as well.”
Barrie City Council confirmed its five-year pledge of $5 million. Last fall the County of Simcoe approved the first installment of a $2-million contribution over five years.
“Our next major priority is to encourage both the provincial and federal governments to follow the lead of our students, graduates and the community at large,” says Tamblyn.
“I am confident that both governments will want to be part of this vitally needed expansion and our staff is currently working overtime to have shovels in the ground by this summer. The Health and Wellness Centre will be a huge asset for everyone, providing immediate construction jobs during these difficult economic times, and in the future, providing more health care professionals desperately needed in our community.”