Red Deerians Jack and Joan Donald will donate $3 million towards the construction of the Donald Health & Wellness Centre, a wing in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.
The announcement was made yesterday at Red Deer College.
The Donald Health & Wellness Centre will be dedicated to teaching and learning in the fields of health and wellness.
“Some years ago Jack and I decided to help our community financially wherever we could make a difference,” said Joan. “The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre is going to be a wonderful asset to Red Deer and Central Alberta. The Centre is important for many reasons. First, it will be used for several sports during the Canada Winter Games here in Red Deer in February 2019. The Canada Winter Games will be important for the economy, for the fact that volunteers will be involved, we will be on TV and it will make a definite difference in Red Deer. I think we all have to put our shoulder to the wheel to make this happen the best we can. Our young Canadian athletes deserve this opportunity .
Jack said he and his family are proud to be able to give back to the community.
“We’re proud to help Central Alberta who has been good to us for so many years. We’re happy to participate in this construction project that is going to mean so much to all of us,” he said. “There is so much benefit not only for the Winter Games, but it’s also going to be very important for many of us for years to come not only in Red Deer but in Central Alberta.
“Joan and I age, we get older, and health becomes more and more important to us, so we are so happy to be able to do something to help and train people to provide the health care that we are all going to need some day.”
RDC President Joel Ward said the Donalds are invaluable community builders.
“Their latest gift will play a key role in continuing RDC’s presence in our communities, expanding program opportunities and supporting the growth and wellness needs of Central Albertans.”
The new facility will welcome learners in the fall of 2018. The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will also host five events during the 2019 Canada Winter Games. The centre has an estimated cost of $88 million, funded through a combination of donations, partnerships and government funding.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
