Image Credit: Sadie Hunter

By Adam Donnelly

A Way Home Kamloops

Kamloops councillor Hunter to head up A Way Home Kamloops

Feb 1, 2021 | 11:35 AM

KAMLOOPS — On Monday morning, A Way Home Kamloops (AWHK) announced they had chosen a new Executive Director. Kamloops Councillor Sadie Hunter is looking forward to continuing the fight against youth homelessness.

“Continuing to support Katherine [McParland’s] vision and support staff and the board and the youth who need support in our community,” Hunter said of her goals moving into the top position at A Way Home.

Of course, it wasn’t a job the board thought they’d need to fill. The founder of A Way Home Kamloops, Katherine McParland passed away suddenly on December 5th, 2020. Her death left a huge hole in the organization.

“The whole idea that we had to undertake a search for an Executive Director was overwhelming,” AWHK Board Chair Louise Richards explains. “I don’t think we were looking for someone to fill Katherine’s shoes, because she was a one of a kind person.”

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Board Chair Louise Richards says that the work McParland started has continued largely because of the passion the staff at A Way Home Kamloops have for the cause.

“The focus, of course, is on the youth,” Richards says. “That’s probably been something that’s really helping in keeping people going. There hasn’t been any change in the need for the programs and services we provide.”

Hunter hopes her background – which includes some housing insecurity as a teenager – will provide some context for her as she undertakes the new role. She also acknowledges the challenge she faces, trying to follow McParland as leader of A Way Home Kamloops.

“Everyone who is part of the organization is a testament to her spirit, her passion,” Hunter says. “It’s definitely going to be a big role to fill. Together as a team and community, I think we’ll be able to do that.”