The Tree of Hope, a well-known beacon that lights up every holiday season in the Landmark District, has raised $400,000 for the Karis Support Society and Now Canada.
This year’s focus was women at risk within Kelowna and this was the first time two charities were chosen to be the recipients of the fundraising campaign.
Unlike previous campaigns, this year was not just about receiving funding but the Raising Hope initiative aimed to elevate conversation about women at risk while highlighting what each organization does within the community.
“Tree of Hope 2021 allowed our community to come together to help highlight, address and elevate the conversation of women at risk in Kelowna,” said Ken Stober, president of the Stober Foundation, in a news release.
“We are grateful for the work of Karis Support Society, Now Canada and the #RaisingHope initiative.”
Now Canada and the Karis Support Society are both local nonprofits that help women who are transitioning from a life of addiction, abuse and mental health challenges to a life of recovery and independence.
According to the news release, the two organizations have served 243 women in their recovery and affordable housing programs.
NOW Canada was able to offer over 4,700 “bed nights” to women staying in the low-barrier shelter and a harm reduction program to 417 clients staying in the shelter.
The Stober Foundation and TD Bank Group matched every donation raised, up to $200,000.
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