Building the health care workforce across the South Okanagan and Similkameen is a critical priority which inspired Penticton philanthropists to act.

In partnership with Summerland91裸聊视频檚 Penny Lane Legacy Fund, Yasmin and Rick Thorpe have created a $50,000 bursary fund for health care students who reside across the region.

The Caring for Health Care Students Fund will provide $750 to $1,750 in awards for eligible students studying for a practical nursing diploma and health care assistant diploma programs at Okanagan College91裸聊视频檚 Penticton campus.

91裸聊视频淲e know if we educate health care professionals in Penticton, there91裸聊视频檚 a good chance they91裸聊视频檒l stay and work in the region,91裸聊视频� said Yasmin Thorpe. 91裸聊视频淲e want to help increase the number of health care staff throughout the South Okanagan Similkameen to help ease current pressures in the system.91裸聊视频�

The fund, made possible through a contribution from the Thorpes and investment from the Penny Lane Legacy Fund, will offer six bursaries annually.

91裸聊视频淗ealth care is a personal issue for everyone,91裸聊视频� said Orv Robson, chairman of the Penny Lane Legacy Fund. 91裸聊视频淢y wife needs medical support on a regular basis, and though we91裸聊视频檝e received great care, we also see the strain the system is under.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 important for my family and society as a whole to have a functioning health care system to care for our community91裸聊视频檚 most vulnerable.91裸聊视频�

At the Penticton campus, there are a number of health care programs being offered including care aides and becoming a licensed practical nurse.

91裸聊视频淭he college has a vital role to play in educating the next generation of front-line health care professionals,91裸聊视频� said former MLA Rick Thorpe. 91裸聊视频淏ut we need to see more investment. Community philanthropy alone can91裸聊视频檛 solve this. The labour shortage is critical and the future wellbeing of our community is at risk. We need all partners to come together to look for innovative solutions.91裸聊视频�

For more than six bursaries to be awarded annually, the Okanagan College Foundation is asking for community support to help build the fund. To help contribute to this bursary go to okanagan.bc.ca/OC-Foundation.

Not only did the Thorpes create a bursary for health care students at Okanagan College but they have also been creating scholarships for graduating high school students wanting to attend Okanagan College.

In 2022, Wylie Rowan and Mattias Van Bergeyk were the recipients of the Thorpe and Friends Scholarship, which has gone to 76 students over the last 15 years.

Both Rowan and Van Bergeyk are now in their second year of studies at Okanagan College.

91裸聊视频淲ithout this financial support, I would have had to leave school and find a job,91裸聊视频� said Rowan.

The scholarship was created in 2006 by the Thorpes along with their friends, and so far have contributed more than $160,000.

Rowan said he91裸聊视频檚 grateful to the Thorpes for helping him pursue his passion 91裸聊视频� kinesiology.

The Thorpes stated their ongoing commitment to helping students in need is borne out of a desire to give back to their community.

91裸聊视频淚 was raised in a humble family that always found a way to help people, and so was Yasmin. The importance of giving back was instilled in us from a young age,91裸聊视频� said Rick Thorpe.

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