Local charities and nonprofits mark #GivingTuesday

The City of Kelowna was one of many communities across Canada and the United States to proclaim today “Giving Tuesday”.

Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the day aims to celebrate the start of the giving and charity season.

Giving Tuesday originally started in the United States, but has made its way north in recent years.

“At a time when so many of us are faced with unprecedented challenges and our needs are great, we are also witnessing unprecedented generosity. We have been through fires, extreme heat and flooding all while managing a global pandemic. Still people have responded generously and with kindness,” said Richelle Leckey with the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club.

A number of charitable organizations across the Okanagan are celebrating the day.

Early Tuesday morning, the BC SPCA Kelowna branch hosted a drive-in donation event from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Donations support vulnerable animals the community.

The Okanagan Boys and Girls clubs has launched their Gift of Giving Campaign that runs until the end of December.

“This is our drive to raise funds to provide opportunities for our children, youth and families to discover dream and grow so that they can become happy healthy adults in our community," Leckey added.

“With the support of generous donors we are able to then provide the amazing programs and services that help them to learn things from physical and mental health and leadership skills,” she added.

Kelowna Chevrolet and the Kelowna Kinsmen both presented OBGC with generous cheques. Kelowna Chevrolet donated $15,000 and Kinsman presented a $7,000 cheque.

The Bridge Youth & Family Services has launching Phase 2 of their Okanagan Youth Recovery House campaign . The proposed building will be a home away from home where youth can focus on self-improvement by way of building connections.

Central Okanagan Hospice Association will be raising funds for local families during the Christmas period.
COACH (Central Okanagan Association for Cardiac Health) is raising funds so patients who cannot afford cardiac rehab can attend. All donations will be matched by Bylands Nursery up to $5,000.

#NoHungryKids - Even before COVID, one in two children in Guatemala suffered from malnutrition. For Giving Tuesday, we invite you to give 18 nutritious meals for just $10. Or a food hamper for $40. Your gift will provide meals for hungry children in Guatemala.

New Vintage Theater is raising money to put towards our educational programs to allow for students across the Okanagan in engage in theatre arts. Presently our matinees and community educational programming is offered for free or low cost. This funding allows them to continue and expand this important programming providing access to all children and teens.

Seniors Outreach and Kelowna Gospel Mission have matching gift donors today.

Studio9 based in Kelowna will be using the Giving Tuesday platform to thank our donors who helped build the Studio9 Creative Hub for public and school use.

More information can be found at www.okanagangives.ca