Recsky family’s $30K gift to Okanagan College campaign a full-circle moment

In 1986, Alex Recsky was hired by Okanagan College’s (OC) first recreation and intramurals programmer.

Over the 10 years that followed, Recsky introduced thousands of students to sports and recreational opportunities before retiring from the role he loved so much.

“My dad’s life philosophies were to build lasting relationships and to serve the community,” said Recsky’s son Keith. “One way to do both was to get involved in recreational and sporting activities.”

Now, nearly four decades after being hired by OC, Recsky’s family is honour him and his wife Ruth, both now in their 90s, with a $30,000 donation to the school’s Thrive Here campaign.

The fundraising campaign aims to raise the necessary funds to help build a much-needed Recreation and Wellness Centre on the Kelowna campus.

“All four generations of our family have been involved with sports of all kinds in Kelowna, some more serious than others,” noted Recsky’s grandson Kyle. “Many of our most memorable moments come when we are at arenas, gyms, and outdoor spaces.”

Another one of Recsky’s grandsons, Bryce, said it’s meaningful that the family’s gift will create more opportunities for Kelowna residents of all ages to “learn valuable life lessons through sports and recreation.”

The $30,000 donation is a full-circle moment for Recsky.

Along with being OC’s first recreation and intramurals programmer, he was an active part of the fundraising efforts for a gymnasium at Okanagan University College in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Those efforts were successful, and one was built on the north campus, but that campus became UBC Okanagan when the school transitioned to two post-secondary institutions in 2005.

Helen Jackman, executive director of the Okanagan College Foundation (OCF), said they’re moved by the Recsky family’s thoughtful gift.

“They understand how a space like this will teach students how to build friendships, overcome challenges and truly discover who they are,” she explained. “The Recsky family’s passion for what recreation does for people will come to life in this new Centre.”

So far, the OCF has raised $9 million toward its $14-million campaign goal to build its new Recreation and Wellness Centre.

To learn more about these efforts, click this link.