The Holland College Foundation’s Thrive campaign is $100,000 closer to its $2.5 million goal thanks to the generosity of Susan and Ron Keefe. The campaign is a special fundraising initiative to establish a centre for student wellness, resilience, and success at Holland College.

“Susan and I are pleased to support Holland College in this initiative,” said Ron Keefe, who is a former chair of the Holland College Foundation board. “The health and wellness of students is critical to their success in their studies and beyond. Education is the one thing that can level the playing field for everyone. We can advance ourselves and society by learning and applying new skills for the greater good.”

The centre will be centrally located at the college’s Prince of Wales Campus and will provide an integrated suite of services to students at campuses province-wide via satellite offerings including mental health supports, a health clinic, academic support services, and career and academic counselling. Lifelong determinants of health such as sleep, diet, exercise, and social interaction will also be emphasized.

“Susan and Ron have made a gift that will go a long way in helping our college continue to meet student needs,” said Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, President of Holland College. “It is critical that we do everything we can to ensure that today’s students have the skills and resources they need to thrive throughout their lives. They are the next generation of leaders in our industries and our communities.”

Eddie Childs, a student in the Environmental Applied Science Technology program and the President of the Holland College Student Union, said the establishment of the centre is an incredible step in ensuring students have timely access to the supports they need.  

“The pressures on students, whether wellness, financial, academic or otherwise, continue to increase,” said Childs. “I applaud Holland College for their commitment to continuing to meet our evolving needs.”

To learn more about the Thrive campaign, and about how you can contribute visit this page.