Together, We Did It. Thank You.
Because of an incredible community of donors, BGC Okanagan’s Prevent Youth Homelessness campaign has officially reached its goal of $150,000.
This milestone represents more than a number. It means more youth will receive support before crisis takes hold. More young people will stay connected to school, caring adults, and safe places to land. More futures will remain open.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave, shared, and stood alongside youth in our community.
With Special Thanks
This campaign was made possible through extraordinary leadership gifts, including:
-
Dan Martell and Renee Warren, whose generosity of $100,000 provided powerful momentum and belief in prevention-focused solutions
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Dean Reidt and Debbie Hubbard, whose $25,000 contribution inspired the community to rally together and give generously
Their support, along with community donors, helped turn compassion into action.
The Work Continues.
While this campaign has ended, the need has not. Youth homelessness prevention is year-round work, and ongoing support ensures these programs remain responsive, accessible, and strong.
You can continue to make an impact by:
Making a One-Time Gift
Your donation today helps sustain prevention and shelter programs throughout the year.
Becoming a Monthly Donor
Monthly giving provides reliable, long-term support that allows us to respond quickly when youth need help most. It’s one of the most powerful ways to stand with young people, every single month.
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:
