CHARLOTTETOWN
Ellis Family supports Holland College and its students with $100,000 gift to Thrive Campaign

Local business leader and philanthropist Warren Ellis, together with his wife Marlene and sons Josh and Brody, demonstrated their support of education with a gift of $100,000 to the Holland College Foundation's Thrive campaign. The campaign is a $2.5 million fundraising effort to establish a centre for student wellness, resilience, and success at Holland College. 

(L-R) Brody, Marlene, Warren, and Josh Ellis made a gift of $100,000 to the Thrive Campaign.  

A broad, integrated suite of services will be offered through the centre including mental health supports, a health clinic, academic support services, and career and academic counselling. The centre will serve as a collaborative and integrated hub, from which students at every Holland College campus will have access to the supports they need through technology and satellite offerings.   

The Ellis family said they were inspired to support this initiative as they see it as an investment in the overall health and wellbeing of our province. 

"Holland College is a leading learning institution in P.E.I. that has grown leaps and bounds over the years," said Warren Ellis. "Supporting students is important to us and, as the college continues to flourish, we're thrilled to be a part of its future development and advancements. As a family, we think of giving not as a duty, but as a privilege." 

Dr.  Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, Holland College President, noted the Ellis family's history of supporting students at Holland College.  

"We are tremendously grateful to Warren, Marlene, Josh, and Brody for supporting Holland College students, and for what they do for our Island communities as a whole," said MacDonald. "Today's students are entering post-secondary having five semesters of their learning disrupted by Covid-19. This gift will help us to support students academically, while also provided them tools and resources that will help them build resilience and thrive throughout their lives." 

Eddie Childs, President of the Holland College Student Union, said the centre will have a positive impact on students for years to come. 

"The centre and its resources will play a major role in the academic success and overall health and wellbeing of our student population," said Childs. 

To learn more about the Thrive campaign, and about how you can contribute, visit hollandcollege.com/foundation.