Dan Martell & Renée Warren Give $100k to Prevent Youth Homelessness

Donor News

This photograph shows the two entrepreneurs holding a giant cheque with some of the BGC Okanagan leadership team. The giant cheque represents the donation of $100,000. The group is standing in front of the doors of the Downtown Youth Centre.

BGC Okanagan is grateful to share that local entrepreneurs Dan Martell and Renée Warren have donated $100,000 to support our Prevent Youth Homelessness campaign. Their gift will help strengthen the safety net that keeps youth safe, supported, and housed, before a crisis becomes homelessness.

“Every day, we meet young people who are doing their best to hold it together, often with far less support than they deserve,” said Jeremy Welder, CEO of BGC Okanagan. “This donation is more than a gift, it’s a statement: our community will not look away when youth are facing barriers. We’re deeply grateful to Dan and Renée for stepping up at a pivotal moment and inspiring others to act in this final week of our fundraising campaign.”

What this donation supports: youth homelessness prevention programs

The Prevent Youth Homelessness campaign funds a continuum of prevention services that keep youth connected to stability and support:

  • Youth Shelter: Provides immediate safety and support when a young person has nowhere else to go.

  • Shelter Diversion: Helps stabilize situations early so youth can avoid entering shelter and access safer alternatives.

  • Upstream Kelowna: Identifies risk early and connects youth to coordinated supports before challenges escalate.

Together, these programs help young people access the right support at the right time, reducing the likelihood that housing instability becomes homelessness.

Impact at a glance

  • 800 meals served to young people last year.

  • 450 nights of safe shelter provided through the Youth Shelter.

  • 79 youth received help before homelessness deepened.

A message from Dan Martell

Martell said his decision to give was rooted in a belief that prevention is both compassionate and practical.

“Youth homelessness is not inevitable,” said Martell, whose donation comes from the Martell Legacy Foundation. “When we invest in prevention, we can step in early and give young people the support they need to change outcomes. I’m proud to support BGC Okanagan as they give young people real support, real stability and a real path forward.”

A few days left to give to the Prevent Youth Homelessness campaign

The Prevent Youth Homelessness campaign runs until Friday, Jan. 16. BGC Okanagan is urging the community to act now. Donations help keep prevention-focused supports available when they are needed most, before a crisis becomes homelessness.

Donate today: www.bgco.ca/prevent-youth-homelessness

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