Help unlock $25,000 for Okanagan youth when you donate.
Every donation you make toward BGC Okanagan’s programs that prevent youth homelessness will be doubled up to $25,000. This is thanks to generous Kelowna residents Debbie Hubbard and Dean Reidt, who will match community donations up to $25,000 during BGC Okanagan’s Prevent Youth Homelessness campaign. BGC Okanagan’s fundraising goal for the youth homelessness campaign is $150,000 and will carry into 2026.
There is an urgent need for funding to support essential programs to break down barriers and help Okanagan youth overcome challenges and thrive.
This includes Upstream Kelowna, a program that provides free and accessible school-based mental health support services with the aim of preventing school disengagement and youth homelessness as well as Shelter Diversion and the Youth Shelter, which provides a safe refuge for young people in crisis. Together, these programs are critical in providing stability and support to vulnerable youth.
Donate to prevent youth homelessness in the Okanagan now and your gift is doubled
Read more about how BGC Okanagan is supporting young people and preventing youth homelessness:
Local family says Upstream Kelowna has been “life-changing”
BGC Okanagan provides a different approach to preventing youth homelessness
Upstream Kelowna, Shelter Diversion and Youth Shelter
More children and youth than ever before are experiencing negative mental health impacts.
In Canada, more than 300,000 students face significant barriers to graduating high school, putting them at risk of homelessness.
1 in 6 children and youth experience food insecurity.
Over 40% of youth first experience homelessness before they are 16, and a lack of supports means that many youth become entrenched into homelessness before being able to access help.
THESE NUMBERS NEED TO CHANGE.
That’s where BGC Okanagan and caring people like you come in.
As BGC Okanagan (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of the Okanagan) marks 66 years of serving children and families, there is an urgent need for funding to ensure that programs like Upstream Kelowna, Shelter Diversion and the Youth Shelter continue to be available to young people across the Okanagan.
The Upstream Kelowna Program takes a proactive approach to prevent youth homelessness by offering free, accessible, wellness support and resources to keep youth stably housed preventing possible school disengagement. Meanwhile, the Youth Shelter provides a safe refuge and immediate support for young people facing crisis, with the goal of helping them find secure places with family or friends.
Through our life-changing programs, community-based services, relationships with peers and caring adults, and our generous supporters like you, BGC Okanagan helps youth develop the skills and resiliency they need to succeed in life.
50%
of those that participate are 'internalizers' that appear OK and do not overtly express their challenges. Upstream uncovers them and brings supports to them - providing a safe space to thrive.
97%
of the Upstream Kelowna participants are doing better in school. Why that matters: School disengagement is closely related to youth homelessness.
44
youth in Kelowna received support from the Shelter Diversion program last year helping them find safe housing with family and friends.
You can help young people create a better tomorrow.
By donating, you help BGC Okanagan continue critical support so that no young person is held back. Our Clubs create positive outcomes for kids in multiple areas of their life including:
- Academics
- Healthy living and mental wellness
- Leadership and job readiness
- Social development and self expression
- and so much more
BGC Okanagan has a transformational impact on the lives of our young people.
BGC Okanagan is committed to dismantling the barriers that many of youth are facing today. With you by our side, we can strengthen our impact, meeting the growing demand for access to our programs.
If kids need it, our Clubs provide it.
A better tomorrow is possible for youth today. But we can’t do it without you.
Please donate today to support BGC Okanagan’s mission to provide safe, supportive places where youth can develop the confidence and skills they need for a successful future filled with possibility.
Say it with us. Opportunity Changes Everything.
Upstream Kelowna closely collaborates with the following organizations:
