Former Vernon residents smash fundraising goal in Kal Lake paddleboard challenge

More than 20 paddleboarders have paddled the length of Kalamalka Lake in the Okanagan raising $40,000 in the process.

Lifelong friends Kristin Postill and Brittney Page were joined by 19 other paddleboarders for the 16-kilometre journey across the Kalamalka Lake Aug. 8. The pair set a fundraising goal of $25,000 for the challenge and in just three weeks quickly exceeded their expectations.

"This is our third annual Stand Up For event and we are completely overwhelmed by the response," Page said in a media release.

Born in Vernon, the two friends return to Vernon every summer and started the Stand up For fundraising events in 2018 raising money for different causes each year. This year they chose People Place, a Vernon-based centre that houses up to 20 other charitable organizations.

"Seeing 21 paddleboards glide the length of Kalamalka Lake, six feet apart of course, was pretty overwhelming, in the best possible way. We are so grateful for Kristin and Britt’s efforts, along with everyone who joined in to make this fundraiser for the People Place such an overwhelming success," People Place said in the release.

With all of People Place fundraising events cancelled due to COVID-19 the money comes at an opportune time for the organization.

"Raising awareness of the People Place for the next generation of community leaders was a goal within a goal for us so it was especially wonderful to see the local businesses get involved in the campaign and share on social media," Page said.

The goal may have been exceeded but Postill and Page are eager to raise as much as possible for the charity and the online giving option will stay open until the end of August.

To donate to the cause go here.

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