Cliff and Lois Serwa are once again stepping up to help Okanagan College鈥檚 Strive Here program.

Back on Oct. 26, 2023, the college announced they are building a new and much-needed $14 million recreation facility on their 琉璃神社 campus. Through the Strive Here campaign, they have raised $9 million of the $14 million needed, which includes $500,000 from the Serwas.

Now, the Serwa鈥檚 are willing to add more money, but with the public鈥檚 help.

In what鈥檚 being called the Serwa Spirit Match, Cliff and Lois have committed to matching every dollar of the public鈥檚 donations for the new recreation facility, up to $500,000. If this goal is reached, the Serwas will have committed $1 million to OC鈥檚 newest building.

鈥淭he Recreation and Wellness Centre is going to make an incredible difference for students, and these students are our future,鈥� said Cliff. 鈥淲ith community donations and support we are one step closer to seeing this centre open for students and our community.鈥�

The new facility will feature training facilities for the college鈥檚 teams, a competition-sized gym, [retractable] seating for over 800 people, a running track, a fitness suite, and a flexible programming space for meditation and yoga.

Both Cliff and Lois understand how important physical activity is not only for the body, but mentally as well.

鈥淗aving a place for students to connect with each other while burning off stress through sport and physical activity is so important,鈥� said Lois. 鈥淭his centre will positively impact the well-being of thousands of students.鈥�

鈥淭his is an extremely generous offer by the Serwas,鈥� adds OC Foundation Executive Director Helen Jackman. 鈥淲e all need people in our corner, and this is an opportunity for the community to support a space that will foster student belonging and well-being. Your donation to Thrive Here will have double the impact, thanks to the Serwas, and we can begin building this transformational centre this year.鈥�

It is anticipated that construction on the project will begin this spring and the facility will open in 2026.

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