Fundraising has become the new normal for Kelowna’s Family Hub

After losing provincial government support last spring the Central Okanagan Family Hub had to turn to fundraising for the first time in its three-year life.

That bought it enough time to secure other funding sources but fundraising is now going to be an ongoing part of its continued existence.

“(Fundraising) is definitely a new reality," Katelin Mitchell, director of services for Kelowna Community Resources, told iNFOnews.ca today, Nov. 13. “But, we’ve had some pretty amazing contributions from the community so we’re looking again at what some of the options are and, long term, are there other partners that would want to come on board for a more permanent perspective or, at least, a longer-term perspective rather than just for one year.”

The goal is to have ongoing stable funding of about $100,000 per year.

The Family Hub was created three years ago to offer programs for families with children up to 12 years of age at Pearson Road Elementary School where it serves about 450 drop-in visitors per month.

It was launched with a $300,000 United Way grant plus $50,000 a year from the provincial government for three years with the option for two more years.

Last November, Mitchell was told the government wouldn’t fund the option years. She tried but failed to get other provincial funding so launched the “Do a Lot for a Little” fundraising drive.

Since then, she was able to get more funding from the United Way and three years of funding from the Central Okanagan Foundation. Along with support from community groups, the Family Hub now has funding through to the end of this fiscal year on March 31, 2020, so additional fundraising will put money towards next year’s services.

Despite the financial uncertainty, Mitchell is not only maintaining programs but has been able to set aside an area specifically for older children (ages six to 12) and is hoping to expand hours for the centre.

Starting Dec. 3, they will be launching a Giving Tuesday program, asking for donations and encouraging community groups to hold fundraising events.

Services include things like an Integrated Health Solutions Team, no-cost dental examinations and treatment along with a parent learning place for things like Storytime, Post Natal Wellness and a World Garden.

More information on the Family Hub is available here.

You can send an email to katelin@kcr.ca or call 250-763-8008 ext: 130, to schedule an appointment.

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