Celebration of life for Vernon teen

VERNON – Those attending the memorial service for a Vernon teen killed in a boating accident are encouraged to sport a jersey, pajama bottoms and socks that don’t match to honour and remember him.

Fourteen-year-old Miles Wohlford’s celebration of life will be held July 14 at Kal Tire Place at 3 p.m.

Wohlford was tubing on Okanagan Lake when he fell off and was struck by the propeller of the boat as the 49-year-old female driver, believed to be a family friend, circled back. Due to a grave prognosis, his family made the difficult decision to pull him off life support July 4. Police are investigating the incident to determine if charges will be laid against the driver of the boat. 

An online fundraiser has so far raised over $17,000 and a hot dog sale, raffle and silent auction last weekend collected $6,300.

There are three ways to financially support Wohlford’s family during this difficult time. You can give to the Miracles for Miles VantageOne Credit Union account by cash or cheque, or mail a cheque to Miracles for Miles, c/o Rhonda Becker 1011-34 Avenue, Vernon BC, V1T 6R8.

A variety of events have also been planned to help support the family. A day of family events are scheduled for July 18, including a carnival and music event in Cenotaph Park, a bake sale at the Elks Hall, and a silent auction.

There will also be an adults-only dance at the Elks Hall that night featuring local band Mace. Tickets are $15 and are available at The Bean Scene.

Silent Auction items can be dropped off at The Okanagan Science Centre in Vernon or mailed to Rhonda Becker at the address above.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.