West Kelowna Business Donates Over $11,000 for Back-to-School Support

Students in West Kelowna will benefit from enhanced educational support this year, following a generous donation of $11,460 from local business Kelowna Truck and RV. The donation was made during a ceremony on August 18, 2023, where the funds were presented to the principals of Constable Neil Bruce Secondary School (CNB) and Mount Boucherie Secondary School (MBSS) as part of the company’s Tools For Schools campaign.

During the presentation, general sales manager Stefan Jensen emphasized the importance of community involvement. “Today was all about starting our commitment to the community, and one of the most important things is the kids in the community,” he stated. Jensen, who took over the business just over two years ago, highlighted the connection between the company and local families. “A majority of our customers live here, so it’s really important that we’re able to give back to our customers and the community,” he added.

The financial support is particularly significant for CNB principal Brad Kuhn, who noted that many families within the community face economic challenges. “You know a quarter of our community lives on the margins of poverty or in poverty. We have those children and those families that we are supporting in our schools, and we do a really good job, I think, of making that happen,” he explained. Kuhn further emphasized the value of community partnerships in enhancing educational resources.

Mount Boucherie Secondary School principal Ryan Mansley echoed these sentiments, stating, “Whenever we get an opportunity to really have a connection between our schools and community sponsors, it just helps to grow that community feel even more.” The donation will be divided between the two schools, specifically targeting students who require assistance with school supplies.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Kelowna Truck and RV to cement its role in the community. Jensen confirmed that Tools For Schools will be an annual effort, designed to support local education. The company has also planned additional outreach events, such as sponsorship of the Peachland Fall Fair and a community movie night. “Tav (Kelowna RV marketing strategist) comes up with great ideas every month, and we’re just trying to do something where we can give back,” Jensen noted.

The collaboration between local businesses and educational institutions underscores the importance of community support in addressing the needs of students and families. As West Kelowna continues to foster these relationships, the impact of such donations promises to enhance educational experiences for many young learners in the area.