Fundraiser breaks record

Photo: Contributed

For its fifth year, a Kelowna charity lawn bowling event expanded to 40 teams from 26 – and the results speak for themselves.

Over the past four years, On The Lawn has raised a combined $78,000 for Elevation Outdoors, a local organization that has introduced hundreds of underprivileged young people to a variety of new outdoor sports since 2007.

The organization holds several four- to seven-week programs throughout the year, where they teach young people who may otherwise not be able to afford it, how to mountain bike, snowboard, hike, sail and rock climb.

Last week, the four night On The Lawn fundraiser for Elevation Outdoors wrapped up at the Kelowna Lawn Bowling Club, and a cheque for $28,252 was presented to the organization – the largest amount raised in a single year for the organization.

"We are overwhelmed by the support shown by the community in supporting On The Lawn powered by BDO and our fundraising efforts,” said Mike Greer, executive director of Elevation Outdoors. “The impact over the five years of the event has truly changed what is possible for Elevation Outdoors.”

With funds from On the Lawn, along with recent support from MEC and Telus, Elevation Outdoors is launching a new Leaders in Action program later this month. The new 10-month program will teach young people aged 15 to 18 leadership skills through outdoor recreation.