Giving at Christmas?

An international charity that is located right here in Kelowna is working with the Canadian Government to help children who are at risk globally.

Be a Hero, has over 27 orphanages around the world and this Christmas the charity is focusing their efforts on children living in the Philippines.

Riikka Ikonen says Be a Hero has been working in the Philippines since the spring of this year to build homes and safer communities for young girls rescued from human trafficking.

“Some girls from the age of 5, have been rescued by our ongoing operation in the Philippines. We want to give an opportunity for the community to partner with us and help in rescuing more girls out of the sex trade,” explains Ikonen.

According to the charity it costs $1,000 to rescue one child and place them in a home, so Be a Hero is now looking to the people of Kelowna for their help in the battle against human trafficking by making donations, no matter how small.

“On Christmas Day we are sending a team to go down to the Philippines to be there with the children in person and distribute gifts and hugs,” says Ikonen. “Many of these team members are from Kelowna.”

A toy drive is being held for the children and bins for gifts have been placed all around the city and will be collected on the second week of December - unused toys of all kinds and light material clothing for girls and boys from  age 5 – 13 are welcome.

The gifts will be distributed to the children by the traveling team on Christmas Day.

The hosting locations for the Toy Drive are:

• Nature's Fare, Orchard Plaza
• H2O Center, Gordon Drive
• Save-On-Food, Orchard Plaza
• Goji's Frozen Yogurt, Springfield Road
• New Life Church, Harvey Avenue
• Willow Park Church, Hwy 33              
• Menchie’s Frozen Yoghurt Kelowna Crossing, Highway 97

If you are interested in becoming a host, please contact the Be A Hero office at 1(888)738-4832.