An Okanagan College (OC) alumni recently gave back to his alma mater in a big way.
Kelly Loudoun donated $25,000 to the school's Thrive Here campaign, which goes towards the Recreation and Wellness Centre that's set to be built on OC’s Kelowna campus.
During his five years at OC, Loudoun graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours and is known for creating OC's hockey team, which he managed and played on for four years.
“Playing sports is a good way to build relationships and networks," said Loudoun. "My teammates were my best friends, I still have a lot of those connections today."
Loudoun owns his own business, Loudoun Construction and Development and is a father of two, it's because of these successes that he wanted to give back to the school with this donation.
“I find many lessons from sport apply to my business," said Loudoun. "The importance of showing up, trying to be a better version of myself each day and learning how to handle any challenge."
Sasha Carter, the Okanagan College Foundation's manager of development has known Loudoun for years and was excited to learn about his donation.
“[Loudoun] knows that the extending value of the Recreation and Wellness Centre is much more than a gym court and workout facility. It is a space that will forge skills of resiliency, teamwork and hard work,” said Carter. “I am so grateful to [Loudoun] for his passion and appreciating the impact this centre will have on students for generations to come.”
With his donation, the Thrive Here campaign has now raised more than $10 million. The goal of the campaign is to raise $14 million.