One thing that strikes those new to Kelowna, as well as those born and raised locally, is Kelowna's generosity and willingness to come together and give back. Kelowna may be a rapidly growing city, but it still has the welcoming closeness and sense of community of a small town.
We've officially entered the holiday season, which also means it's the season of giving - something Kelowna is great at!
If you're in the giving spirit but not sure where to start, look no further. We're listing The Best Local Charities in Kelowna, as voted by you, and brought to you by Secure-Rite Mobile Storage.
The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is one of the best-known and highest regarded international animal welfare organizations, and Kelowna's branch holds true to their reputation.
The BC SPCA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and protecting domestic, farm, or wild animals across B.C. Through providing shelter, veterinary care, and sourcing out homes for adopting and fostering, the BC SPCA does its part in helping animals in various ways.
The BC SPCA celebrated their 125th birthday in 2020, and, with nearly 50,000 animals helped each year, there is much to celebrate.
Kelowna's BC SPCA branch is heavily and admirably involved in the SPCA's mission to help all types of animals across over 60 countries, and for that, they're this year's bronze winner for Best Local Charity in Kelowna, as voted by you.
Join the BC SPCA's mission to end animal cruelty and give every animal a happy home by donating, volunteering, or considering adopting.
For those with a special spot in their heart specifically for dogs, there's Paws it Forward Dog Rescue.
Paws it Forward is a non-profit organization focused on dog rescue and care, and is completely volunteer-run.
Paws it Forward works with many organizations across Canada and internationally to rescue dogs in need. While some come from as close as Manitoba, many come from as far as China!
Regardless of distance, condition, breed, or circumstance, Paws it Forward is packed with volunteers ready to arrange rescue, transport, foster homes, and medical care. And thanks to Kelowna and the Okanagan's amazing people, many of these fosters turn into adoptions and forever homes.
As an incredibly well-deserved thank you to the efforts of their passionate and big-hearted volunteers, and on behalf of all the dogs they've rescued, Paws it Forward is this year's silver winner for Best Local Charity in Kelowna, as voted by you.
Get involved with Paws it Forward by donating, fostering, or adopting.
Mamas for Mamas is a volunteer-run organization providing free support to mothers, caregivers, and families in need.
Mamas for Mamas was started organically, by a young mother of two seeking a connected, like-minded community of moms truly and inclusively supporting one another. And she made it happen!
Since starting, Mamas for Mamas has helped over 20,000 families through its online community of over 70,000 and its 55 physical branches. Mamas for Mamas runs a number of programs across Canada with the help of generous partners, such as Donate A Car, the Kelowna Young Mama/Teen Support Program, the Vancouver Sustainable Nourishment Program, and the Calgary At-Risk Comprehensive Program.
Whether you're a young mother in urgent need or a caregiver of any sort requiring ongoing support, Mamas for Mamas and the amazing community they have built is available in a number of ways. For everything else, they are always available as a safe, compassionate, and caring space to listen and support.
For all they do for mothers, families, and the community as a whole, Mamas for Mamas is this year's gold winner for Best Local Charity in Kelowna, as voted by you.
Mamas for Mamas has a number of ways to donate and volunteer, and many other creative ways to get involved.
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