Kelowna woman one of seven BGC Canada Youth of the Year winners

A Kelowna youth is the regional recipient of the BGC Canada Youth of the Year award. 

Mehak Parihar is one of seven young people from clubs across Canada BGC, formerly the Boys and Girls Club, declared winners.

Parihar was recognized for her leadership, dedication to service and remarkable achievements within her community.

“I extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible staff at BGC Okanagan for teaching me the importance of helping others and the impact you can have as just one individual. My journey with them has shaped me into who I am today,” Parihar said in a press release.

“Being part of Youth of the Year has been a cool experience. It offered me the opportunity to meet others from around Canada who make such a big impact at their Clubs and do a lot of exciting work.”

Parihar received a prize package including a laptop and post-secondary scholarship.

Winners also receive leadership and mentorship training in Toronto, preparing them to become official BGC ambassadors.

Parihar, alongside BGC Okanagan CEO Jeremy Welder, was invited to visit with members of parliament in Ottawa.

"Seeing our youth achieving such great things is the most rewarding parts of our job. Mehak is articulate, motivated and her exemplary representation of our BGC movement and values makes us so incredibly proud,” Welder said in a press release.

Parihar originally got involved with BGC Okanagan because she wanted to help her peers improve their academic skills. She later volunteered at the Rutland Club.

As a result of Parihar's win, the Rutland Club will be granted funds, which Parihar is eager to put behind a new STEM program. 

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