You can help break down barriers and help youth overcome challenges and thrive.
There is an urgent need for funding to support essential programs that prevent youth homelessness. This includes Upstream, a program that provides free and accessible school-based mental health support services with the aim of preventing school disengagement and youth homelessness as well as the Youth Shelter, which provides a safe refuge for young people in crisis. Together, these programs are critical in providing stability and support to vulnerable youth.
Become a monthly donor to these life-saving programs.
This year, to celebrate our 65th anniversary, we’re thrilled to offer a special draw! Become a monthly donor today and you’ll be entered in a draw for a chance to win a flight for two anywhere WestJet flies! As a thank you, the first 65 donors will receive an extra entry, doubling their chances to win this exciting trip. Draw date is 2 p.m. on Dec. 31 2024. *Rules and regulations at the bottom of this web page*
Read more about how BGC Okanagan is supporting young people and preventing youth homelessness:
Local family says Upstream Kelowna has been “life-changing”
BGC Okanagan provides a different approach to preventing youth homelessness
Upstream Kelowna and Youth Shelter
More children and youth than ever before are experiencing negative mental health impacts.
In Canada, more than 300,000 students face significant barriers to graduating high school, putting them at risk of homelessness.
1 in 6 children and youth experience food insecurity.
Over 40% of youth first experience homelessness before they are 16, and a lack of supports means that many youth become entrenched into homelessness before being able to access help.
THESE NUMBERS NEED TO CHANGE.
That’s where BGC Okanagan and caring people like you come in.
As BGC Okanagan (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of the Okanagan) marks 65 years of serving children and families, there is an urgent need for funding to ensure that programs like Upstream and the Youth Shelter continue to be available to young people across the Okanagan.
The Upstream Program takes a proactive approach to prevent youth homelessness by offering free, accessible, wellness support and resources to keep youth stably housed preventing possible school disengagement. Meanwhile, the Youth Shelter provides a safe refuge and immediate support for young people facing crisis, with the goal of helping them find secure places with family or friends.
Through our life-changing programs, community-based services, relationships with peers and caring adults, and our generous supporters like you, BGC Okanagan helps youth develop the skills and resiliency they need to succeed in life.
50%
of those that participate are 'internalizers' that appear OK and do not overtly express their challenges. Upstream uncovers them and brings supports to them - providing a safe space to thrive.
65%
requested support with school/academics. Of those 62% then reported an improved school experience after working with Upstream.
40% +
of youth first experience homelessness before they are 16, and a lack of supports means that many youth become entrenched into homelessness before being able to access help.
You can help young people create a better tomorrow.
By donating, you help BGC Okanagan continue critical support so that no young person is held back. Our Clubs create positive outcomes for kids in multiple areas of their life including:
- Academics
- Healthy living and mental wellness
- Leadership and job readiness
- Social development and self expression
- and so much more
BGC Okanagan has a transformational impact on the lives of our young people.
BGC Okanagan is committed to dismantling the barriers that many of youth are facing today. With you by our side, we can strengthen our impact, meeting the growing demand for access to our programs.
If kids need it, our Clubs provide it.
A better tomorrow is possible for youth today. But we can’t do it without you.
Please donate today to support BGC Okanagan’s mission to provide safe, supportive places where youth can develop the confidence and skills they need for a successful future filled with possibility.
Say it with us. Opportunity Changes Everything.
Upstream Kelowna closely collaborates with the following organizations:
Preventing Youth Homelessness Monthly Donation Contest Rules
GENERAL
The Preventing Youth Homelessness Contest (the “Contest”) is run by BGC Okanagan (the “Sponsor”).
CONTEST PERIOD
The Contest opens November 18, 2024 at 9:00AM PST and ends on December 31, 2024, at 2:00PM PST
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for this Contest, an individual must:
• Be a legal resident of Canada; and
• Be over the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry.
PRIZES
There is one prize available to be won.
• One WestJet Voucher for 2* (restrictions may apply)
General Conditions:
1. The prize must be accepted as awarded and is not transferable or convertible to cash.
2. All costs not specifically covered in the Prize description are the responsibility of the winner.
By accepting the Prize, winners waive all recourse against the Sponsor and other Contest Group members if the Prize is deemed unsatisfactory in any way.
HOW TO ENTER
Participants can enter the Contest through the following methods:
1. Donation-Based Entry:
For the first 65 donors to make a monthly donation to BGC Okanagan during the Contest Period will receive two (2) Contest entry.
For all donors after 65 to make a monthly donation to BGC Okanagan during the Contest Period will receive one (1) Contest entry
2. Mail-In Entry (No Donation Required):
Print your full name, telephone number, mailing address, and a 50-word essay on the importance of youth homelessness prevention on a plain white piece of paper. Mail it to:
Preventing Youth Homelessness Contest, BGC Okanagan, 1434 Graham Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3A8
One (1) Contest entry is awarded per valid essay. Each submission must be mailed separately.
RELEASE
The confirmed winners must sign a Release form to confirm:
1. Eligibility for the Contest and compliance with these rules.
2. Acceptance of the Prize as awarded.
Winners also grant the Sponsor permission to use their name for promotional purposes without further compensation.
WESTJET RESTRICTIONS
1. Fees, taxes and surcharges are the responsibility of guests traveling and must be paid for at the time of booking with a valid credit card. Your exclusive voucher number is valid on any regularly scheduled WestJet marketed and operated flight. This voucher does not include optional fees such as checked baggage or cabin upgrades. ***Please book early to maximize your flight options.
2. This voucher is limited and subject to promotional space availability of eligible fare options and flight schedule. Not all flights have promotional space. This voucher is not valid for redemption on WestJet Vacations’ packages, flights operated by Swoop, charters, codeshare or interline partners.
3. This voucher is valid for one (1) roundtrip flight for two (2) guests to any regularly scheduled and marketed WestJet destination. All guests must travel together on the same itinerary, dates and flights.
4. Flights must be roundtrip to and from the same locations. Flights must depart from city A to city B and return from city B to city A.
5. This voucher cannot be used on some dates, including statutory holidays, blackout and peak travel dates.
6. All bookings and travel must be completed by Nov 1, 2025
7. Gift of flight vouchers cannot be extended. Additionally, changes to travel dates or guest names are not permitted once a booking has been confirmed.
8. Bookings made with a 'gift of flight' voucher are not eligible for paid upgrades, except where the option to pay for an upgrade is available when checking in for the flight 24 hours prior to departure.
9. This voucher becomes null and void if travel is cancelled once a booking is confirmed.
10. The individual booking the flight must be over the age of majority in their province.
11. This voucher must be taken as offered and is not redeemable for cash.
12. This voucher cannot be sold. In the event that it has been sold, this voucher will become void, and any flight bookings made with it will be cancelled immediately without notice or reimbursement. WestJet does not handle the payment, guarantee transactions, or buyer protection or seller certification, nor will WestJet be liable for the loss of funds resulting from a fraudulent transaction.
13. Guests travelling on a WestJet gift of flight voucher are not entitled to compensation amounts provided under passenger rights regimes. By redeeming this voucher, all guests travelling agree to release, and waive all claims against, WestJet relating to any and all liability, damage, or compensation entitlement arising under Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations.
14. WestJet is not responsible for lost or mishandled vouchers. Once a voucher has been delivered to you, you are directly responsible for it.