Day of Giving raises close to $1M

It was a major show of support for mental health care in the Kelowna area.

The sixth annual Day of Giving put on by the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, raised over $969,000 as of midnight April 21.

Kids helping out at KGH Foundation’s Day of Giving Apr. 21. (Photo credit: KGHF)

The funds will be directed into the foundation’s We see you campaign to provide immediate funding support to local mental health care providers, and to support long-term collaboration for system change.

The campaign is a partnership between the foundation, Interior Health, and community providers including CMHA-Kelowna, the Child Advocacy Centre and Kelowna Community Resources.

“The community made their commitment to advancing mental health care right here at home absolutely clear,” said Allison Ramchuk, CEO of the KGH Foundation. “Mental health care must be a priority. Because it is care for all of us.”

Heading into the Day of Giving, three generous local families had agreed to match all donations made up until midnight.

“What we saw this year, compared to Day of Giving in year’s past, is so many MORE people are giving. Calling in, donating online and driving through our donation station at the hospital,” said Chandel Schmidt, the KGH Foundation’s Senior Director of Philanthropic Programs.

The Sprott-Shaw Change Bandits had commuters digging through their consoles and pulling out their wallets as they drove by KGH.

The management teams from local Save On Foods stores were on hand, and provided a surprise gift – a Save on Foods gift card – to some lucky drive-through donors.

“Being a part of this Day of Giving reminds us how important it is that we come together as a community to support one another,” said Orchard Plaza Save on Foods Manager, Scott Nazaruk. “It was really heart-warming to witness the generosity of folks firsthand.”