Pictured from left to right: Former councillor Tina Lange and current councillor Mike O'Reilly participating in the 2020 Camp Out to End Youth Homelessness. (Image Credit: Facebook)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

CAMP OUT TO END YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

Record campout fundraiser highlights community impact of late A Way Home Kamloops founder

Dec 14, 2020 | 4:11 PM

KAMLOOPS — Friday evening’s (Dec. 11) campout was a fundraising success for A Way Home Kamloops, but there were mixed emotions running through volunteers and event organizers.

The organization’s 33-year-old Executive Director and founder, Katherine McParland, unexpectedly passed away one week before the event.

While it was a record-setting fundraiser, Peer Navigator Kira Cheeseborough says the campout was also a cathartic experience for those mourning the loss.

“Many of us are still coming to terms with the loss of Katherine McParland. And just holding onto the hope that she instilled in all of us through her passion and her dedication.”

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After news of the death spread through the community, other non-profits, businesses and Kamloops residents rallied around A Way Home’s Campout event, raising more than $110,000. Donations are still being accepted and can be made through A Way Home’s website here.

“Even a few weeks ago, Katherine and I sat down in her office and we thought we wouldn’t even make our $50,000 goal for the campout,” notes Cheeseborough. “And so being able to double that is… I don’t know what to say. I don’t even know if there are enough words to express the profound gratitude that we’re all feeling.”

Those donations will benefit A Way Home’s Safe Suites and other programs that provide at-risk youth with housing, education and employment training. Phase One of Safe Suites opened last winter, but Cheeseborough says their work to eradicate youth homelessness is nowhere near complete.

“There is still a need in the community for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness — especially during COVID-19. It has made the crisis of youth homelessness increasingly dire.”

Cheeseborough says staff also heard at the campout McParland was chosen as one of two people this year to receive the Champion of Child and Youth Rights Award. The provincial honour is given by First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition and will be presented at the coalition’s gala in February.

“We are grateful that she has been able to make such a huge impact in everybody’s lives and for everybody to have had an opportunity to know her.”

As A Way Home plans for the future, Cheesborough says the outpouring of support showed how much Katherine McParland’s advocacy meant to the community.

“She’d be proud of the community, she’d be proud of A Way Home, she’d be proud of the Campout committee and she’d be proud of all the young people who have been able to come together and be so resilient during this time.”