Community rallies behind Tree of Hope campaign to reach $1M goal
The 25th annual Tree of Hope campaign in support of the YMCA of Southern Interior and BGC Okanagan needs your help to reach their goal.
This year, the Stober Foundation is #raisinghope by matching all funds raised up to $500,000 to support two local charities whose united mission is to promote healthy and resilient children, youth and families through programs that change lives. To date, $403,000 has been raised thanks to caring businesses and community members, including TD Canada Trust, KF Aerospace, Traine Construction & Development, Highstreet Ventures Inc., TELUS, RE/MAX Kelowna Stone Sisters Real Estate, Sentes Automotive, Parkbridge, Rotary Club of Kelowna, WSP, Peacock Sheridan Group and the Kelowna Kinsmen Club.
When you give before December 31st, your donation will have double the impact, ensuring twice as many children, youth and families have equal access to the essential resources and services provided by the YMCA Southern Interior and the BGC Okanagan, regardless of financial circumstances.
Your donation will help parents utilize services offered by BGC Okanagan and the YMCA Southern Interior BC. Services such as the ones offered to a BGC Okanagan parent who said they had just got their children out of a bad situation and didn’t have family support locally, leaving them with “back against a wall trying to do what’s right for my children to keep them in a happy and healthy environment.”
“I explained to BGC Okanagan staff that at times it feels like me versus the world. Their response was, ‘well you are not alone, and we are here to help.’ I will never forget those words. Actions can also speak louder than words, to which BGC Okanagan staff achieved in any way they could. Amazing, I would even say, is an understatement when speaking about the staff,” said the parent, whose name is with held to protect their privacy.
BGC Okanagan offered support, advice, parenting tips, suggestions of local programs that the children could get involved in and even programs for the parent.
“Without their help, support and understanding I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through the most stressful time of my life,” added the parent.
Donations to the Tree of Hope campaign will ensure all children in our care will have full bellies; help youth to stay in school; and continue to expand safe, supportive, barrier-free and inclusive programming where children and families thrive.
For more information about the Tree of Hope and to make a donation, please visit treeofhopekelowna.ca or visit https://my.charitableimpact.com/campaigns/the-tree-of-hope.