Muskoka Campus reaches $2.5-million campaign goal
A campaign to raise $2.5-million to support a new location for the Georgian College Muskoka Campus in Bracebridge has been successfully completed after only two years.
Carpentry instructor Koos Wassenaar, first-year Carpentry apprentice students Corey Vandergeest, Curtis Waters and Aaron Horne, and Bonnie DeWitt, Muskoka Campus manager.
A recent $1.7-million donation from an anonymous donor resulted in the campaign goal being met – the largest single financial gift ever given to Georgian in its 41-year history.
The new campus facility officially opened in September 2007 at 111 Wellington St., backed by many generous donations in the first year of the campaign from various community leaders. The Town of Bracebridge donated the building and the land to Georgian for one dollar as part of a long-term agreement between the two parties.
“We’re thrilled about this incredible donation, and about achieving our $2.5-million campaign goal, and are so grateful to those who helped us get there. This support exemplifies how greatly Georgian is valued in the community,” said Jerry Moroz, volunteer chairperson of the Muskoka campaign.
Bonnie DeWitt, Muskoka Campus manager, said although the campaign has reached completion, Georgian will continue to build on the success of its new facility where upgrading, certificates and diplomas in skilled trades, health science, hospitality and tourism, and business programs are offered.
“This is big news for our campus, and we are ecstatic and very thankful to those who have helped us meet our goal,” said DeWitt. “The completion of the campaign, however, does not mean we are done improving our campus. We will continue to seek new ways to expand our range of programs and services for the benefit of our students, employers and the community.”
DeWitt said an immediate goal for the campus is to seek support for the awards and scholarships program, helping more local students pay for their studies.
This is the most recent success for the Georgian College Power of Education fundraising campaign, an initiative to raise $25 million to grow and develop key programs including health sciences, engineering technology, hospitality and tourism, and Georgian’s University Partnership Centre. To date, $8.5 million has been raised thanks to so many generous Georgian supporters.
For more information on the Muskoka Campus of Georgian College, click here.
