Kelowna’s Stride to End Homelessness set to go ahead

Kelowna's annual Stride to End Homelessness is set to take place today, but the fundraiser will look a little different this year due to COVID-19.

On Feb. 27, Kelowna's Gospel Mission is inviting the community to their 10th annual fundraising event with a two-kilometre or five-km walk, or a 10-km run to end homelessness in the city. This year, due to COVID, rather than walking together participants will walk in their own bubbles wearing their Strides to End Homelessness toques, according to the Gospel Mission's press release.

With Kelowna’s help, the goal this year is to raise $50,000 to support Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s men and women at the emergency shelter and at Harmony Ministries, their women’s transitional homes. Services include meals, shelter, outreach, individual wellness plans and more. This year, most of the fundraising is on-line.

Once funds are raised, walkers have the option of dropping by 259 Leon Ave between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to pick up a toque and snack bag. 

READ MORE: Kelowna homeless shelter is building community while hunkered down during pandemic
 

“Strides to End Homelessness is a perfect event during COVID. People can put on their Strides toque and walk with their family 'bubble' while reflecting on how important secure housing is. We initially thought, because of COVID, that it would be tough to reach our goal this year but to our surprise, this event has already raised more than $38,000 and we expect to reach our $50,000 goal by Saturday. Our community has really stepped up this year to ensure no one in our valley goes without food for a place to live,” said Carmen Rempel, executive director of the Gospel Mission.

As of Feb. 27, the fundraiser has raised more than $42,000.

To participate in the walk, go to the non-profit's website or directly to the Strides website.

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