New group formed to boost cultural organizations in Kamloops

A new Kamloops non-profit is aiming to boost local arts, recreation and heritage organizations in the wake of effects from the pandemic.

Keep Kamloops is using marketing strategies to give these organizations a much needed boost since the COVID-19 lockdown measures began.

The people of Kamloops have been waiting for events to come back, but JP Baker, a volunteer behind the campaign says some of the arts and recreation organizations that depend on fundraising, revenue and volunteers have taken a significant.

"When the pandemic is over, we want to make sure that these organizations are still here to enrich our community. Hence the name — let’s keep Kamloops creative, keep Kamloops active, keep Kamloops entertaining," Baker said in the release.

According to Keep Kamloops, the arts and heritage sector contributes $9.2 million to the local economy, while large sports tournaments contribute $2 million each. Charitable activity in these sectors has been rare during the pandemic.

The campaign will officially launch in early February and will profile a different organization every two weeks.

Non-profit organizations involved in arts, recreation or heritage are encouraged to visit the Keep Kamloops website here to apply.

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