The 25th annual Tree of Hope campaign in support of the YMCA of Southern Interior and BGC Okanagan has reached their collective goal to raise $1 million. The Stober Foundation closed out the campaign with a gift of $500,000, matching the donations raised by the two local charities during the holiday season.
“This is a transformational gift for both of our charities, and we are humbled and inspired by the incredible support shown by our community partners and friends,” says Jeremy Welder, CEO of BGC Okanagan.
“As both organizations and the community recover from the past couple of years, these funds will help us ensure the continuation of vital programs and services that empower youth, improve the health of our children, and provide equitable opportunities for families of all income levels. We couldn’t be more grateful to the Stober Foundation, local businesses and individuals for their incredible generosity,” says Allyson Graf, CEO of the YMCA of Southern Interior.
The YMCA of Southern Interior BC and BGC Okanagan extend a special thanks to all the businesses and organizations sponsored the Tree of Hope and who were instrumental in helping both charities reach their goal: Landmark District, TD Canada Trust, KF Aerospace, Traine Construction & Development, Highstreet Ventures Inc., TELUS, RE/MAX Kelowna Stone Sisters Real Estate, Sentes Automotive, Parkbridge, Rotary Club of Kelowna, WSP, Peacock Sheridan Group, Kal-West Mechanical and the Kelowna Kinsmen Club.
“We are more than thrilled to support the YMCA and BGC as this year’s Tree of Hope recipients,” says Ken Stober, Foundation President. “These organizations have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and to generate funds to help hundreds of families in our community. I am also proud of the generosity of our community members and the sponsors that have supported these amazing organizations to make our financial goal possible. Great things happen when we all work together, and Kelowna families are the clear winners here!”