Celebration of hard work

Photo: Jon Manchester

Well done, Kelowna.

Non-profit and social service agencies patted themselves on the back, Wednesday, at the Kelowna Gospel Mission. The mission hosted a barbecue to acknowledge the hard work done in support of the less fortunate.

Representatives of more than 20 agencies broke bread and munched on hamburgers while praising each others' contributions.

“It is an opportunity for all the partnering agencies to get together and just celebrate the fact we do indeed work together. Over the years, we have really developed a great process of networking together,” said mission executive director Randy Benson.

“It is an appreciation and a celebration to say 'Hey, we are doing a good thing together and let's keep it up.'

“There is a real sense of joy that as a community, and as agencies, we have overcome our own agendas and we are really working together for the good of the people we serve. We all have our niche and different ways to do our services, but the bottom line is that we are here for people that are in need, who are homeless, who are in poverty and we recognize that. That is our priority.”

Ami Catriona, director of community relations for the Kelowna Food Bank, said the event is "a good opportunity to check in and see how things are going and ask 'How can we help you?' 'How are things going?' 'What do you need?'

“For our clients receiving services, it means they won't get left in the gap."

Donna and Betty of Outreach Urban Health said the collaborative network helps them provide the best patient care.

“When we are looking for people, we can call them up and they can let us know if that person might be staying there. It is a way to support our clients. It is very valuable,” said Donna.

Mayor Colin Basran and city councillors Ryan Donn and Maxine DeHart were also on hand to thank the agencies for their hard work.

“We know as a city we can't do everything. We rely on partners. So, when we see a celebration from the Gospel Mission to acknowledge all the work their partners do throughout the community, we know that is what it takes to support our most needy in the community,” said Donn.