Donor steps up again for Okanagan children and youth
For the second year in a row, a donor has stepped forward with an act of kindness by investing $10,000 in children and youth in the Okanagan.
The investment will help sustain programming and services BGC Okanagan offers to children and youth in safe and supportive spaces where they can experience new opportunities, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.
“To the amazing donor, and others in the community who support BGC Okanagan, we are so thankful that you believe in removing barriers and creating opportunities for all children and youth,” said Jeremy Welder, the CEO of BGC Okanagan. “Our Clubs play an essential role in navigating paths to opportunities that aren’t otherwise available for many young people and their families. Opportunity changes everything when it comes to young people becoming their best selves.”
The Okanagan-based donor said they are inspired by BGC Okanagan’s goal to help children and youth learn and understand why kindness, caring and treating others with respect, empathy and compassion is the way to prevent mistreatment of others. It is also why they chose to direct the funds through the upcoming BGC Okanagan Pink Shirt Day Breakfast, presented by TELUS.
“There is a lot happening, not just in the Okanagan, but across the country and the world right now that is impacting physical and emotional health,” said Welder. “We believe this year, more than ever, we need to remind each other, not just on Pink Shirt Day, but every day, to be kind and lift each other up. Educating children and youth that everyone should be heard, respected, valued and treated fairly is key to our efforts and is weaved throughout all our programming.”
The Pink Shirt Day Breakfast is a virtual event held on Feb. 23. It will feature international speaker and social entrepreneur Crystal Flaman, who will talk about the 10 Million Acts of Kindness movement.
“We are thrilled and so thankful that the generous donor of this gift, while wishing to remain anonymous, has allowed us to make this announcement to spread the word about the donation in the hopes of inspiring further acts of philanthropy,” said Richelle Leckey, Community Engagement Coordinator for BGC Okanagan.
Leckey said those interested in attending the Pink Shirt Day Breakfast should act fast as there are a limited supply of pink boxes left which includes breakfast items and a ticket to the virtual event to be held from 7:30-8:30 a.m. For more information, to purchase tickets ($35 each, or four for $100), or to donate, visit BGCO.ca.
About BGC Okanagan:
Community-based services. Positive relationships. Life-changing programs. Since opening the first Club in Kelowna in 1959, BGC Okanagan has continued to provide vital before and after school care, daycare, recreation and youth and family support programs and services that help all young people discover who they are, what they can do, and how they can get there. Our trained staff and volunteers give kids and teens at our 41 service locations across the Okanagan Valley the tools to realize positive outcomes in self-expression, academics, healthy living, physical activity, mental health, leadership and more. If a young person needs it, our Club provides it. Learn more at bgco.ca and follow us on social media @BGCOkanagan.