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Western Canada Theatre is one of the many arts and recreation groups that could benefit from Keep Kamloops features. (CFJC Today file photo)
KEEP KAMLOOPS

Keep Kamloops giving local arts, heritage and recreation groups much-needed boost

Jan 20, 2021 | 5:05 PM

KAMLOOPS — A group of volunteers have banded together to keep arts and recreation alive in the city, with Keep Kamloops.

The new organization will do its best to boost the profile of non-profits and encourage donations to keep them afloat. Co-founder JP Baker says Keep Kamloops will be rolling out a series of marketing campaigns to promote local organizations online and encourage the public to directly donate to those groups.

“We got together and we were talking about all the things that we missed during the pandemic — all the sports, recreation, all the cultural stuff — and I guess we came to the realization that we couldn’t assume that it would all be waiting for us when we came back after the pandemic unless we really try and help those organizations out.”

Two organizations will be chosen each month for a website feature and social media posts promoting them to the city. Baker says the goal is to get residents to engage online, donate and show their support by taking part in virtual events.

“When I think about all the things I did in 2019 — you know, putting my kids in sports, attending events and activities — I haven’t been spending that money. And so those organizations haven’t benefitted,” he explains, “So many of them have been really resilient and they’ve pivoted their programs and they’re trying to do virtual. But some of this stuff is hard to do virtually.”

To follow along and get involved, Keep Kamloops can be found on Instagram, Facebook and online at www.keepkamloops.ca.