Taking strides for homelessness

• Raising money for Kelowna’s Gospel Mission
• Fundraiser exceeded the goal
• Hundreds of people gathered to walk

For the first time in two years, the community came together in-person for a walk to help those experiencing homelessness.

Hundreds of participants gathered at The Laurel Packinghouse on Saturday to take part in the 11th annual Strides to End Homelessness fundraiser.

“Today we have raised over $50,000 for all of the programming at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission,” Carmen Rempel, executive director told Kelowna10. “All the money raised today helps making people go from homelessness to wholeness.”

The event exceeded the $50,000 goal with the help of volunteers and sponsors offering support to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Fundraising participants received a blue Strides running shirt.

Services by Kelowna’s Gospel Mission include providing food and survival items on the street, shelter beds, and long-term transitional living.

“Right now, our world is afraid, it is a bit hopeless, and we all feel a bit overwhelmed by the challenges that are around us,” Rempel said.

“To gather together in the sunshine, get some exercise, and smile, and be together, is just going to be good for everybody’s mental health, which is good for our whole community.”

The walk took place on a sunny and warm afternoon with friends and families gathering, some of whom brought along their children and dogs.

“It’s one of the largest strides we’ve ever had in our 11 years,” Troy McKnight, who handles community relations at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission said. “We have over 200 walkers and 30 plus teams represented.”

There was a family-friendly two kilometre walk, a five km walk, and a newly introduced 10 km run for participants to choose from. The run route featured very few street crossings so it made for an excellent outing for those faster moving participants.

Volunteers were placed all around downtown with hi-vis vests and signs to help guide everyone as they enjoyed the sunshine and exercise.

Once the events finished, chili and hotdogs were served from the mission’s brand-new food truck.

Donations can be made on their website.