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Skogie’s car washes are celebrating 50 years of business by making the ride for ��«Ӱҵ students a little easier.

For every year the family-run business has been in operation, Skogie’s is donating $1,000 to ��«Ӱҵ — for a total of $50,000 in honour of their half-century anniversary.

“We've hired a lot of ��«Ӱҵ students over the years,” says David Skoglund, who founded the company in 1971.

“We want to support young people and help them get ahead and we also wanted to give back to our community.”

The gift will support the Our Students, Your Health campaign for the new Health Sciences Centre on the Kelowna campus. There will also be two annual awards set up for students in the Automotive Service Technician and Therapist Assistant Diploma programs.

“We know how hard it is for young people to go to school and have the funding to pay for their living expenses and education,” adds Moyra Skoglund, who is a retired school teacher. “We hope this helps students achieve their career goals.”

David and Moyra came to the Okanagan in 1971 with dreams of owning their own business. They purchased Big Eagle Car Wash, which later evolved into the first Skogie’s location on Highway 97 and Underhill Street.

The company now boasts four locations, three in Kelowna and one in Vernon, and has washed nearly 11 million cars. The second generation, sons Jason and Chris Skoglund, are now running the business.

“Our sincere thanks to the Skoglund family for helping enhance the learning environment for our health care students,” says Yvonne Moritz, ��«Ӱҵ’s Interim Dean of Science, Technology and Health.

“This gift will help ensure our students practise in the most up-to-date labs and with modern technology. All of us require health care services at some point, so this gift will truly benefit our community when they need it the most.”

In celebration of 50 years of business, the Skoglund family is hosting an anniversary bash at their Kelowna and Vernon locations. Turn your dial to 103.1 Beach Radio and Power 104 on Friday, Aug. 6 for updates on all the celebrations. There will be prizes and discounts, a barbecue and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Skoglund family will also be presenting a $50,000 cheque to the ��«Ӱҵ Foundation.

��«Ӱҵ Foundation is now $1 million away from its $5-million fundraising goal to complete and equip the Health Sciences Centre for student learning this fall. To learn more or to donate, visit .