Some of the bars and restaurants in Kelowna will be getting together to compete in the first-ever Battle of the Bars Slo-Pitch Tournament in support of the BGC Okanagan Downtown Youth Centre.
Kevin McBurnie from Cactus Club Cafe and Ayla from King Taps are organizing the event, which will take place at Mission Recreation Park on April 29 from 12 to 5 pm.
“When Ayla reached out to me with the idea for a fundraising tournament, the event snowballed into what we believe will be an incredible day for the community, while also giving back and supporting youth who face many barriers within the Okanagan,” McBurnie explains.
“While growing up, several of my friends faced barriers preventing them from receiving support in their lives, and this has inspired me to give back to BGC Okanagan.”
McBurnie is training to become a professional firefighter and volunteers his time at the BGC Okanagan Downtown Youth Centre, where programs and services help young people realize positive outcomes in self-expression, academic, healthy living, physical activity, job readiness, mental health and leadership.
Ayla is graduating from UBCO this year with a degree in sociology and a minor in gender and sexuality studies.
There are a few spaces for teams to register and compete, with a $300 minimum team donation bid.
Teams can register by emailing battleofthebars2023@gmail.com.
The public is invited to participate by attending the event at the Mission Park softball fields, donating to BGC Okanagan and cheering on their favourite teams.
McBurnie adds: “We hope to raise awareness surrounding the great work and services our Downtown Youth Centre and Shelter offers to our community, and hope to receive financial support from our community to help keep a great cause going.”
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