Kelowna comedy fundraiser aims to give deaf kids a special camp experience

If you’re looking for a Friday night laugh, an upcoming comedy show promises just that and it’s all for a great cause.

Mamas For Mamas is teaming up with The Okanagan Valley Association of the Deaf and Train Wreck Comedy for a fundraising show at the Kelowna Curling Club on Friday, May 3.

Proceeds will support efforts to give deaf and hard-of-hearing BC Interior children, along with their families, an unforgettable experience at Green Bay Bible Camp in late August.

The show will be headlined by Allyson June Smith, a popular Canadian comic now based in the United Kingdom, who has performed at multiple Just For Laughs festivals.

Smith will share the stage that night with Joey Commisso and Train Wreck Comedy owner Rob Balsdon.

“Train Wreck Comedy is committed to spreading joy, promoting inclusion and building connections within our community," Balsdon explained.

"We recognize the challenges faced by families with deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and we want to make sure they have the same opportunities as others to create lasting memories this summer.”

The show will also feature ASL interpreters to ensure the night of laughter is accessible to the deaf community.

“What an experience it will be to bring the community together to watch three amazing comedians perform for the crowd, while having some amazing ASL interpreters join them in making this night inclusive for everybody to come and be a part of,” said Kelly Wilson, coordinator of Mamas for Mamas’ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.

“Why not laugh our way into sending these local kids to camp?”

Tickets to the important fundraising comedy show are $40 each and available online.

_{Thumbnail photo contributed by Mamas for Mamas.}