The Penticton Centre for Exceptional Learning
  • Home
  • About
  • Our Program
  • Our Facility
    • The Future: Au-Vengers Campus
    • Our Current Facility
    • Photos
  • Our Sponsors
  • Donate
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • FAQs
    • Glossary
    • Resources

The April Deadline: Our $500,000 Roadmap to the Au-Vengers Campus

3/10/2026

 
​At EXCEL, we’ve always been open about the challenges and triumphs of supporting Autistic children in the South Okanagan. Today, we are sharing the most critical "roadmap" in our 11-year history.  
​
Our current lease is up this August. To ensure our students have a classroom to walk into this September, we must secure our new home now. To do that, we need to raise $300,000 by the end of April.

The Math: How We Get There
The total cost to transition to our permanent "Au-Vengers Campus" is $800,000. We are thrilled to share that we already have a strong start of $300,000 thanks to two incredible partners and the funds we have set aside.
That leaves us with $300,000 left to raise by the end of April to finalize the down payment and move into the renovation phase.  Then another $200,000 ​to complete renovations and required upgrades.

Where Your Donation Goes
Transparency is our priority. Here is how that $500,000 will be utilized to transform a 3.37-acre property into a neuro-affirming safe haven:

1. Completing the Down Payment ($300,000) The total down payment for our future campus is $600,000. With $300,000 already secured, we need this final $300,000 to lock in the purchase. Once this is complete, EXCEL will finally have the security of a permanent home, free from the uncertainty of the rental market.

​2. Permits, Parking, and Infrastructure ($123,000) Transitioning a property to a learning centre campus requires significant "behind-the-scenes" work. This includes securing the necessary permits and expanding parking facilities to accommodate our staff and families, and do required interior modifications. Fire & Building Code Upgrades: Ensuring the entire site meets strict safety standards before our students arrive in September.

3. Interior Sensory Renovations ($76,000) The magic happens inside. From June to August, we will be working tirelessly to renovate the interior spaces. This includes:
  • Sensory Rooms: Specialized environments for regulation and de-escalation.
  • Neuro-affirming Classrooms: Learning spaces designed specifically for the sensory needs of our students.
  • Fresh start: Fresh paint throughout, new flooring in areas, movable walls to create adaptable spaces.

The Timeline
  • End of April: $300,000 Fundraising Deadline for the down payment.
  • June – August:  $200,000 for Renovations and site preparation.
  • Late August: Move-in and final setup.
  • Early September: First day of school at the new Au-Vengers Campus!

Why April Matters
If we don't secure the down payment by the end of April, the purchase is at risk. We have a limited window to ensure these children—and the many families currently on our waitlist—have a safe place to go when our current lease ends in August.

Be an Impact Maker
Whether you are a local business, a family, or an individual who believes in the potential of these kids, we need you.
  • Donate Now: https://pentictonexcel.givingfuel.com/wish-we-were-there 
  • Corporate Partnerships: Contact Carrie Ferguson ([email protected]) to discuss how your business can sponsor a specific sensory room or infrastructure project.

We’ve raised $300,000.
Help us raise the final $500,000.


Picture

A Permanent Home for Excel: Why We Need Your Help Now

2/4/2026

 
For over a decade, EXCEL has been a lifeline for Autistic children in the South Okanagan. But today, our mission faces a critical challenge: the building we call home has been sold, and we must secure a new space by July 2026 to ensure our students aren't displaced.

We have found the answer- a 3.37-acre property we’ve named the 'Au-Vengers Campus'. This isn't just a new building; it’s a site designed for safety and growth, featuring expansive outdoor areas for regulated play and outbuildings that can support new programs and partnerships.

The Challenge: To turn this vision into a reality, we need to raise an additional $600,000. These funds will cover our remaining down payment and the necessary renovations to meet fire and building codes so we can open our doors on time.

How You Can Make a Difference:
  • Donate Today: Help us bridge the gap to our $600,000 goal.  https://pentictonexcel.givingfuel.com/wish-we-were-there

  • Partner With Us: We are looking for 'impact-makers' to help us secure this permanent home.

  • Contact Us: For more information on major gift opportunities, please reach out to Carrie Ferguson at [email protected].

The loss of our current space is not theoretical-it is imminent. Help us ensure that no child on our waitlist is left without the support they deserve.
​
Picture

    Archives

    March 2026
    February 2026

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed




​Penticton Excel
Operated by The Penticton Centre for Exceptional Learning Society
Unit 120-3547 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton British Columbia V2A 7K2

Phone: 236-422-0207        Email:  [email protected]
Picture
  • Home
  • About
  • Our Program
  • Our Facility
    • The Future: Au-Vengers Campus
    • Our Current Facility
    • Photos
  • Our Sponsors
  • Donate
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • FAQs
    • Glossary
    • Resources