Community rallies to show support and fundraise for the KGM

The community and sun showed up this afternoon to support Kelowna’s Gospel Mission at the establishment’s 8th annual Strides to End Homelessness fundraiser.

Nearly 250 individuals and 25 teams rallied together to participate in the 5 kilometres walk or 10km run, all with the goal of raising funds and awareness for those the Mission serves.

“We have seen an increase every year, and the most meaningful part to me is knowing that our community is getting engaged,” said Randy Benson, executive director of the KGM.

“It takes away some of the stigma and the stereotypes, and I think it takes away some of the fear that people have too with coming down here.”

The 2018 event garnered an impressive sum of $50,000 to go toward the KGM’s various programs such as their dental clinic and soup kitchen — and Benson says they are on track to meet and even exceed last year’s numbers.

“Homelessness is a huge issue in our community, it has become top of mind and I think as a community we need to keep working together to create solutions to address this problem,” added Benson.

“Thankfully we have a lot of people in this community that really do care, to help us continue providing the service of emergency food and shelter, but to also help people get off their path of despair and provide hope.”

One runner, Robert Ferch, laced up for his 5th event in a row this weekend, donating the nearly $2,000 worth of funds he wrangled through workplace fundraising.

“The KGM does so many great things for our homeless population and those who can’t help themselves, and they don’t get a lot of funding so they rely heavily on donations,” said Ferch.

“It is a way for me to use my running ability to help out."

Despite the frigid air, attendees' hearts were warmed as they set off down Leon Avenue doing what they could to make a difference in our community.