An anonymous $10,000 donation boosted the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Okanagan Pink Shirt Day campaign, which will in turn help more children, youth and families access programs that can change lives.
“We are so appreciative of the support the community gives to the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Okanagan and Pink Shirt Day. We are encouraging the community to keep donating to try and match this gift,” said Richelle Leckey, BGCO Community Engagement Coordinator.
The annual BGCO Pink Shirt Day fundraising and awareness event will be held virtually this year, with the Breakfast in a Box, presented by Telus.
The boxes can be purchased online and will be filled with breakfast food (thanks to sponsors Sysco, McDonalds and others) and will include other surprises inside.
Details on how to participate in Pink Shirt Day (Feb. 24) and ideas for how to celebrate the day will also be included in the box. Pick up locations for the Breakfast in a Box, will be in Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton.
“The Pink Shirt Day movement of kindness and treating others with dignity and respect falls in line with our core values and mission. This includes welcoming everyone in a safe, accepting environment based on belonging and positive relationships. It is why Pink Shirt Day is held close to our hearts,” said Leckey.
BGCO has set a goal to raise $20,000 in donations to assist them in offering programs that support children and youth in learning empathy, caring, understanding, inclusion, diversity and community engagement. It will also help continue the work BGCO does to provide safe spaces where every young person belongs, no matter their circumstance.
So far, they have raised $16,000 towards the goal in the Okanagan.
This includes programming such as the Drop-In (for ages 13-24) at the Downtown Youth Centre in Kelowna. The BGCO has created a safe space for youth, both in-person at the clubs and through their virtual programming.
“The reason I come here (youth centre) is because it gets me out of my head, I get to talk to people I actually enjoy and this place is important not for just mine but everyone’s mental health,” said Aidan Angell-Janfield, a participant in programs at the Downtown Youth Centre. “You get treated with respect, and my own mental health has improved since I started coming here.”
Some of the participants at the BGCO downtown centre are part of the Lead Up Youth Council which provides the opportunity for youth to plan and implement service projects in their community and be a voice for youth. Lead Up participants gain leadership, planning, and critical thinking skills. There are also opportunities for scholarships, grants, volunteering hours, references and more.
On top of the anonymous $10,000 donation, the BGCO Okanagan also just received a $25,000 grant from the Ted Rogers Community Grants.
To purchase a Pink Shirt Day Breakfast in a Box, presented by Telus, or to donate to the campaign visit boysandgirlsclubs.ca. Tag them in your photos on social media (@BGCOkanagan or #BGCOkanagan) and show the community how you are participating in Pink Shirt Day.