Central Okanagan Foundation

Thank you to Tyrel Griffith for raising money for the Shoot Fore the Moon Fund! This fund is named after Brent Mullin who passed away in 2018. Brent was a loving husband, father and friend and spent 26 years as a golf pro and sales representative. His nickname was "Moon" and that is how this Fund got its name. This scholarship is awarded through COBSS to a student athlete every year. Shoot Fore The Moon

Meet our Board!

Karen Hill is our Past Chair and the longest standing member of our Board. She is also a member of our Grants Committee.

Karen is the Publisher of the Kelowna Capital News and Lake Country Calendar, divisions of Black Press Group Ltd. She began her career in the newspaper industry at the Capital News in 1989 in a classified sales role quickly moving into a Group Controller position for the interior division. She spent four years as the Publisher of the Vernon Morning Star before returning to the Capital News as the publisher in 2010.

Karen began volunteering with the Central Okanagan Foundation as part of the Community Engagement Committee in early 2015 and joined the board of directors in the fall of the same year.

Thank you Karen for all the volunteer hours you have invested in the Central Okanagan Foundation over the years!

We know it is HOT out right now but grant applications for this program facilitated by the United Way British Columbia are due mid August so it is time to think about the winter. ❄️

United in Warmth.

The Cold Weather Preparedness Grant, made possible by Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), aims to provide support to communities facing extreme weather emergencies. The grant is intended for activities/initiatives that enable supporting vulnerable populations during periods of extreme cold.

Funded initiatives may include response programs, programs that foster sharing of best practices, training, or mentoring to facilitate relationship building with other emergency-focused/disaster response organizations, and local government emergency preparedness staff. It will also provide support in creating protocols for identifying, locating, and supporting vulnerable residents before, during, and after crises in ways that respect and address privacy concerns.

👉 To learn more and apply, visit uwbc.ca/grants

We would like to express our condolences to the Bennett Family.

The Bennett family has been involved with the Central Okanagan Foundation since our inception in 1977. We were sad to hear of the passing of Russell James (RJ) Bennett on July 4th, 2024 at the age of 94.

RJ was born in Edmonton, AB, on December 14, 1929. He was very much a Kelowna man, as his family moved to Kelowna when he was nearly 2. RJ was the second child of W.A.C. and May Bennett, predeceased by his siblings Anita and Bill.

Over several decades, he maintained a very active social and business life through his company Victor Projects Ltd. of Kelowna, and the BC Thoroughbred racing and breeding community. “Mr. Bennett’s huge contribution to racing and breeding in British Columbia is almost impossible to quantify; although it is fair to say that his legacy, along with that of his wife and partner, Lois, will continue to filter through the sport for many years to come.” - Horseracing BC.

Even as he slowed down in recent years, attending Rotary Club luncheon presentations once a week with his son Andrew was a highlight. At 94, he was still active, noting his ‘steps’ on his phone app, going for walks, and of course he had so many favourite quotes and sayings, notably “Don’t mistake luck for genius”.

Photo and excerpt from obituary courtesy of the Bennett Family and Castanet.

Featured Fund - Peachland Wellness Centre Fund!

Created in 2016, the purpose of the Peachland Wellness Centre Fund is to assist the Peachland Wellness Centre with their programs and activities.

"The Peachland Wellness Centre (PWC) provides programs and services that connect people through support, education, information, referral and outreach. PWC values volunteers and collaborates with other community members, organizations and the District of Peachland" (Peachland Wellness Centre, 2020).

Want to support this organization? Check out the "Re-Treat Yourself Okanagan Getaway Raffle" below.

Link to purchase tickets is here: https://peachlandwellnesscentre.rafflenexus.com/

Or you can donate via Canada Helps: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/central-okanagan-foundation/

Congratulations to the recipients of our spring grants! We awarded a total of
$389 500 to the following organizations.

These organizations make our community better, every day. We're grateful for the opportunity to work together and can't wait to see all that you accomplish!

BGC Okanagan
Lake Country Health Planning Society
Central Okanagan Hospice Association
Reach Out Counselling & Support Services
Ronald McDonald House
Easter Seals BC Yukon
Salvation Army Kelowna
Autism Okanagan
Creator's Arts Centre
Centre culturel francophone de l'Okanagan
BC SPCA

BGC Okanagan Lake Country Health Planning Society Central Okanagan Hospice Association Centre culturel francophone de l'Okanagan Reach Out Counselling & Support Services Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon Easter Seals BC/Yukon The Salvation Army Kelowna Autism Okanagan Creator's Arts Centre BC SPCA (BCSPCA)

Did you know that the Central Okanagan Foundation was established in 1977?

We found this photo in our archives and we are sure you will recognize some of the faces!

At the time we were the 3rd Foundation to be formed in BC and the 8th in Canada. There are now 207 Community Foundations across Canada.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in creating, supporting and strengthening the Central Okanagan Foundation over the last 47 years!

Thankful we are able to support such a great organization!

Thank you to Central Okanagan Foundation for sustaining programming and growth to support more youth in Take a Hike programs. Your contribution will enable us to empower youth to build healthy relationships, navigate the challenges of young adulthood, and positively influence their well-being.

A huge thank you to BC Transit for choosing the Central Okanagan Foundation as their charity of choice during their annual conference that was held in Kelowna this month. We were fortunate to benefit from their 50/50 raffle as well as the silent auction proceeds. Thank you to the other sponsors including Coast Capri Hotel , 50th Parallel Estate Winery / BLOCK ONE Restaurant!

UPDATE! The application deadline has been extended to July 5 and is now open to those entering first year of study in Fine Arts. Please help us find an incredible student to honour Cailen's memory!

We need your help finding applicants for this new scholarship! Please share!

Cailen Vilness Angel Art Foundation

The family of Cailen Vilness has created this scholarship in his memory. Cailen was one of the five victims in the 2021 crane tragedy in Kelowna.

Cailen was 23 years young and had been enrolled at the Centre for Arts and Technology. He then switched his career path to the trades. He had been accepted into his first year of carpentry just two days before he passed.

The Cailen Vilness Angel Art Foundation Scholarship supports a male student entering their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year in the Field of Fine Arts or Carpentry (any year) at Okanagan College or UBCO. There will be one $5,000 scholarship available per year.

Application Deadline: June 28, 2024
Apply here: https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/scholarships/cailen-vilness-angel-art-foundation-scholarship/

We would like to congratulate our two Volunteer Spirit Scholarship Recipients for 2024. They have done so much during their high school career, we can't wait to see what they will do in future years!

Erin Work (left photo)

Erin graduated from OKM and volunteered with several organizations including: OKM's Rotary Interact Club, Girl Guides of Canada and Our Voice for Change. Erin stated in their application "I possess a great quantity of empathy and have been told it is a weakness, but I believe it is a superpower, one person, one voice can create waves of change." Erin will be attending Queen's University and pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at the Smith School of Business.

Annabelle Lee (right photo)

Annabelle also graduated from OKM and volunteered with many organizations including: Fashion for Freedom, Our Voice for Change and the Diversity Club. Annabelle stated in their application: "I am passionate about helping the world around me, whether that means through local or global work. I remain driven to do my part in creating a better environment and society." Annabelle will be attending Okanagan College in the fall and pursuing an International Development Diploma & Business Degree.

All the best for your future Erin & Annabelle!

Tomorrow, June 21st is Indigenous Peoples Day.

We at the Central Okanagan Foundation acknowledge we are settlers and guests living working, and playing on the unceded, traditional territory of the syilx (Okanagan) people.

and Metis Community Services Society of BC will be hosting events on June 21st.

https://mcsbc.org/event-calendar/

http://www.kfs.bc.ca/news-events-2/national-aboriginal-day/

We are excited to be a partner in the Impact & Leadership Development Program!

We are for a Point-in-Time Count Coordinator! This is a contract role from June 2024 - March 2025.

Hoping to find a fabulous person to fill this role and make a difference in our community.

Please share if you may know someone, we are a small but great team!

Link to the job posting is here:

https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/careers-volunteer-opportunities/

Overview: The Point-in-Time Count (PiT) Coordinator will plan and execute Everyone Counts: Kelowna 2024
Coordinated Point-in-Time Count at the direction the Central Okanagan Foundation. The Point-in-Time
Counts are a community-level measure of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness and are part of the
Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.

Thank you for the shout-out Autism Okanagan! We are so happy to support this great program!

Heard About Harold is the messenger we’ve been waiting for! We've subscribed, have you?

It's a new, grassroots movement to promote arts and culture in the Central Okanagan. There are some really BIG plans for the future, starting with a weekly newsletter.

When you subscribe to the Weekly Harold, you’ll get new and upcoming events delivered straight to your inbox, so you’ll always know what’s happening! Heard About Harold’s first big goal is to reach 5,000 active subscribers by the end of October, so sign up today and then help spread the word.

You can learn more and find out how you can get involved and be a Messenger by visiting heardaboutharold.ca!

Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.

Thank you Community Foundations of Canada for this great visual and reminding us that we all need to keep working towards an inclusive world.

In times of polarization, we must find the humanity in all of us. Community foundations from coast to coast see people as people and are working to create a world where everyone belongs.

We need your help finding applicants for this new scholarship! Please share!

Cailen Vilness Angel Art Foundation

The family of Cailen Vilness has created this scholarship in his memory. Cailen was one of the five victims in the 2021 crane tragedy in Kelowna.

Cailen was 23 years young and had been enrolled at the Centre for Arts and Technology. He then switched his career path to the trades. He had been accepted into his first year of carpentry just two days before he passed.

The Cailen Vilness Angel Art Foundation Scholarship supports a male student entering their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year in the Field of Fine Arts or Carpentry (any year) at Okanagan College or UBCO. There will be one $5,000 scholarship available per year.

Application Deadline: June 28, 2024
Apply here: https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/scholarships/cailen-vilness-angel-art-foundation-scholarship/

The Central Okanagan Foundation was a proud sponsor of the 2024 REIMAGINE Conference. This was a fantastic professional development and networking opportunity for charities and non-profits throughout the Central Okanagan.

Thanks to the City of Kelowna for putting together such a fantastic event and the other sponsors Valley First , The EQ Development Group and the Do Gooders.

Looking forward to next year!

Trewhitt Point Complete!

"There is a new and exciting access to Wood Lake at Trewhitt Point. Last year several FORT Trail Ambassadors came up with the idea of cleaning up this area and with support from District of Lake Country,

Central Okanagan Foundation and FORT Fund Development a collaborative effort has created a lovely spot to stop and enjoy the scenery or have a quick dip in the lake. Bike racks, rock benches, and an ONA sign are now installed, with plans for a vertical rock sign at the entrance.

Thanks to our Project Management team for their efforts, helping keep this project under budget." (Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail Newsletter, 2024)

Central Okanagan Prosperity Fund

The Community Prosperity Fund is a $25 million investment from the Government of B.C. that advances poverty reduction and social inclusion—announced on the inaugural B.C. Nonprofit Day.

The Community Prosperity Fund is part of the Government of B.C.’s commitment to supporting the non-profit sector and empowering local communities to make local decisions through local community foundations.

Our Foundation will distribute Community Prosperity Funds directly. Other community foundations will distribute funds through an open call which begins on May 24th, 2024. Explore the Community Prosperity Fund map to find out which community foundations are participating in the open call or distributing funds through other opportunities. https://cfc-fcc.carto.com/builder/504a3046-d1c9-4a72-8f38-7e2b5fc8202f/embed

The Central Okanagan Foundation will be distributing these funds in consultation with community. We anticipate more details will be available early Fall 2024.

New Scholarship Announcement: Cailen Vilness Angel Art Foundation

The family of Cailen Vilness has created this scholarship in his memory. Cailen was one of the five victims in the 2021 crane tragedy in Kelowna

Cailen was 23 years young and had been enrolled at the Centre for Arts and Technology. He then switched his career path to the trades. He had been accepted into his first year of carpentry just two days before he passed.

Cailen always put his best foot forward as well as his heart. The family and loved ones of Cailen Vilness would like to give back and are offering you an opportunity to pursue your goals and dreams.

The Cailen Vilness Angel Art Foundation Scholarship supports a male student entering their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year in the Field of Fine Arts or Carpentry (any year) at Okanagan College or UBCO. There will be one $5,000 scholarship available per year.

Application Deadline: June 28, 2024

Apply here:https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cailen-Vilness-App.-2024.pdf

We would also like to share that "The Rise Memorial Fundraiser" will be on May 19th at Revelry in Kelowna and funds will go toward building "The Rise Memorial" at Knowles Park - https://revelrykelowna.com/

This week's Featured Fund is the Dan Worsfold Legacy Endowment Fund. Dan was a Kinsmen who sadly passed away in 2019.

The Kelowna Kinsmen are hosting a Kinvention this coming weekend and they will be accepting donations to this fund which supports the charitable purposes and activities of the Kinsmen Foundation.

We wish them a great event! Thank you for your work in our community.

Want to know more about this fund or the Kelowna Kinsmen Club?

To donate: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/central-okanagan-foundation/

Kelowna Kinsmen - https://www.kelownakinsmen.ca/

Congratulations to Okanagan Forest Task Force for winning the Central Okanagan Foundation Volunteer Organization of the Year Award at the City of Kelowna 49th Annual Civic & Community Awards!

OFTF does amazing work removing waste from illegal dumping in our forests and recreational areas. Thank you for doing what you do Okanagan Forest Task Force!

https://okanaganforesttaskforce.com/

We are happy to be supporting this project! Please take a couple of minutes to complete the survey (link below).

🍽 Help shape the Central Okanagan's food future! 🛒

A project led by United Way British Columbia, the City of Kelowna, and Urban Matters CCC is bringing people together to improve access to food in our community. This project is helping organizations and government partners work together to make food more accessible to everyone in the Central Okanagan. We want to hear what would make a difference to you in accessing food in the Central Okanagan area.

Take our survey to share your experience with food affordability & access in the Central Okanagan. Your answers will play a huge part in this effort and help us understand better ways to bring healthy, local food to everyone.

You can also win 1 of 3 $100 grocery gift cards for sharing your thoughts!

http://surl.li/snrjj

Thank you for your input!

Today we celebrate Earth Day.

At the COF one small change we started this year was to create an office compost. We are looking for other things we can do to reduce our waste. If you or your organization is doing something please share in the comments below!

The purpose of many of the funds we hold at the COF is the environment. Want to open a fund to support the environmental causes you care about? Learn more: https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/ways-to-give/

“We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.”— Barack Obama

April 14-20 is National Volunteer Week. We would like to say a big thank you to all of our Volunteers which include: Board members, all of our Committee Members, and CAB-H (Community Advisory Board on Homelessness) members. We appreciate you!

Thank you Rip Curl Kelowna! Shirts are still available to purchase in the Kelowna store (not available online).

Kelowna! After the devastation our community endured this summer, many families have struggled with immense amounts of loss. We are still finding ways to relieve some of the pressure from these individuals and families and we are proud to reveal our Okanagan Wildfire Relief shirts. All proceeds made from these shirts will be going to the Central Okanagan Foundation, benefiting the 2023 Wildfire Response Fund. Come check out the two colour ways of these beautiful tees designed by local artist, Mia Arens, in store and support such an important cause. 🧡