Photo: Okanagan College

Kelly Loudon with her children Leo and Cru.

The owner of a local construction company is helping build the foundation for a new recreation and wellness center at Okanagan College in Kelowna.

Bachelor of Business Administration graduate Kelly Loudon, owner of Loudon Construction and Development, donates $25,000 to thrive here campaign for a recreation and wellness center on the OC Kelowna campus.

The sport is a passion for Loudoun, who created OC’s first hockey team, playing and leading the Coyotes for four seasons. It also established an annual prize and endowment fund.

The father of two is paying it forward again with his gift that recognizes the power of sport.

“I find that many lessons from sports apply to my business. The importance of showing up, trying to be a better version of myself every day and learning how to face any challenge,” Loudoun said.

He believes the unit will also create a sense of belonging for students, giving them the opportunity to connect outside of the academic classroom.

“Playing sports is a good way to build relationships and networks. My teammates were my best friends, I still have a lot of those connections today,” he adds.

Sasha Carter, development manager for the Okanagan College Foundation thanked Loudon for his gift.

“Kelly knows that expanding the value of the Recreation and Wellness Center is much more than a gymnasium and training facility. It is a space that will build skills of resilience, teamwork and hard work,” she said.

So far, the Okanagan College Foundation has raised more than $10 million for $14 million Thrive Here campaign objective.