Kelowna Shelter to Raise Funds with Annual Shopping Cart Race

Photo Credit: Inn From the Cold/Facebook

It’s time to start getting your team together for an annual shopping cart race that raises money for a Kelowna-based organization.

The 4^th Annual “Arthur Cottie” Push to End Homelessness returns for another fun-filled, shopping cart race that raises funds for Inn From the Cold.

“The Push to End Homelessness acknowledges that homelessness is a community problem – one requiring a community solution,” says the Inn from the Cold website. “By bringing the community together for this fun family event, Inn from the Cold Kelowna hopes to inform and inspire local residents on how we can pull together and help out an end to homelessness.”

Inn From the Cold is an emergency shelter that provides 35 beds for those who are in need of shelter during the winter months. They also have warm meals, showers, and laundry facilities.

As part of the Push to End Homelessness, participants decorate shopping carts at the start line then race to Kerry Park. They’ll have to tackle a series of challenges to be crowned the winner.

Photo Credit: Inn From the Cold/Facebook

This year, Inn from the Cold was in danger of closing in February due to a lack of funding available. Typically they stay open until the end of March.

When Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick and Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson got wind of the situation, they campaigned for emergency funding and were granted and extra $22,000.

While the Push to End Homelessness event doesn’t take place until May 23^rd, teams are encouraged to start planning their shopping cart decorations and collecting donations.

Photo Credit: Inn From the Cold/Facebook