Camosun College is honoured to announce that the Centre for Trades Education and Innovation (CTEI) building now stands as the Bhalla Centre for Trades Education and Innovation, in recognition of the generosity of the Bhalla family.
Munjeet, Jeety and Jindy Bhalla made a $1-million contribution to the Camosun College Foundation in honour of their parents, Tara and Sela Bhalla, continuing their family's legacy of philanthropy.
The Bhalla family has a long history of giving back to the community. Tara was known for his compassion and generosity, and for his unfailing integrity throughout his many years as a successful businessman in Victoria. Sela was well known for her hospitality, excellent culinary skills and for her invaluable contributions to the family business. Throughout her early life in Victoria, Sela cared for her growing family and hosted several relatives as they immigrated to Canada.
Tara and Sela, who are deeply committed to education and community, valued the opportunities that a post-secondary education provides and its importance to not only their children but also to other newcomers. They actively worked to support the integration of Indian immigrants into British Columbia and were committed to giving back to their community
"My siblings and I are incredibly proud to honor our parents, Tara and Sela Bhalla, with this donation to the Camosun Foundation," said Jeety Bhalla, a Camosun alumnus and former chair of the Camosun College Foundation. "Education was always central to their lives. They encouraged us to pursue higher education and to strive for our best. My own journey at Camosun College has been invaluable. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have served on the Foundation Board for 14 years, including 10 years as chair. We're confident that this donation will enhance the student experience and help Camosun College continue to thrive."
The Bhalla Centre for Trades Education and Innovation is a state-of-the-art facility at Camosun's Interurban campus. Built in 2015, it offers a wide range of in-demand trades programs. The centre houses specialized equipment and labs for marine and metal trades, including welding, sheet metal fabrication, nautical, and shipbuilding and repair. It also provides training facilities for mechanical trades such as heavy mechanical and automotive service technician programs.
"Our grateful thanks to the Bhalla family for their generosity and belief in the transformative power of post-secondary education," says Lane Trotter, president of Camosun College. "Jeety's time as the chair of the Camosun Foundation helped break down barriers for students and helped them succeed in their studies. The Bhalla Centre for Trades Education and Innovation is a fitting legacy for the Bhalla family."
The gift from the Bhalla family will be used to support the college and bolster the college's capital reserves.
