Student Initiative Helps Homeless Men in Kelowna

Students from Okanagan College’s Enactus team will kick off a new social enterprise that will benefit residents of Chandler House.

Chandler House is a residence provided by Inn from the Cold which houses eight chronically homeless men in Kelowna. The safe place for men means they can have a rest, take a shower and have a hot meal without fear of harm or judgment.

(Left to Right) Tara Tschritter, Inn from the Cold, Stephanie Baziuk, Enactus Okanagan College, and Brent Basil, Enactus Okanagan College (Photo Credit: Contributed)

After receiving a large donation of soaps, Inn from the Cold connected with the College’s Enactus team with a chance to generate income for the not-for-profit, while giving students a chance to put their business skills to the test by developing a plan for a legitimate social enterprise. After months of planning the two organizations will launch InnSpire.

The students have created a business plan for selling the donated soaps which includes marketing, packaging, advertising and sales.

“Working on InnSpire has been truly rewarding because it has given us a chance to help an organization that has helped so many in our community,” said Brent Basil, Okanagan College student and InnSpire Project Manager.

InnSpire will be selling beauty soaps made from all-natural ingredients, and types include Tea Tree, Honey Oatmeal, Lemon Grass, and more. The bundles consist of singles squares at $5 each, three-packs of ovals for $10 apiece.

Soaps can be purchased at the following locations:
K. L. O. Christmas Craft Fair at K. L. O. Middle School (Saturday, Nov. 29)
A Touch of Christmas Fair at New Life Church (Saturday, Nov. 29)
Christmas Shop and Swap at the Laurel Building (Sunday, Dec. 7)
Save On Foods at Orchard Plaza (every Sunday between Nov. 30 and Dec. 14)
Okanagan College Centre for Learning atrium (Dec. 2 and 4)