Thomas Vincent donates $25,000 to the South Georgian Bay Campus
Oct. 17, 2019
Thomas Vincent is a visionary in the hospitality industry. For more than 30 years, he built Global Travel Apartments, with operations in 40 cities around the world, and is the developer behind Balmoral Village – a unique adult lifestyle village in Collingwood. But after a lifetime of experiences in the real estate and hospitality sectors, he found himself in the lobby of Georgian College’s John Di Poce South Georgian Bay Campus to share a different message.
On Sept. 30, Thomas, along with his wife Kari Payne Vincent and his mother, Isobel Vincent, announced that they would be making a $25,000 donation in support of the South Georgian Bay Campus to update the student lounge.
Offering thanks on behalf of the student body was Harman Preet Singh Saini, an international student studying in the Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Operations Management program. Harman came to Canada specifically to study at this campus, and is currently working at Living Waters Resort for his co-op experience. He spoke of the hospitality given to him and his fellow students during the early days of their program. “When our international group first came to the South Georgian Bay Campus, we were a bit nervous, a little scared, and really silent. But now, I’m enjoying my college life to the fullest and I’m happier more than ever before.” Harman added, “This donation is an outstanding display of support for Georgian students.”
Responding to Thomas’ announcement, Georgian President and CEO Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes welcomed the Vincent family to the Georgian community of donors. “Thank you for believing in Georgian’s mission to inspire innovation, transform lives and connect communities through the power of education. That’s exactly what your generosity will help to do: transform the lives of our students by enriching their Georgian experience” said West-Moynes.
Giving back is something that Thomas was raised to do. His mother Isobel, better known in the Collingwood area as The Shortbread Lady, is a 95-year old entrepreneur who has been selling her shortbread at the local farmers market and donating the proceeds to the local hospital for years. In his final remarks at the event, Thomas reminded the students in attendance of the importance of paying it forward: “When you’re successful, I want to see you standing up here as I am today, and giving back to our community.”
