Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

PREVENTING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

A Way Home Kamloops triples Camp Out fundraising goal, grateful for community’s generosity

Mar 24, 2021 | 9:24 AM

KAMLOOPS —The fundraising totals are in for the 2020 edition of A Way Home Kamloops’ (AWHK) annual Camp Out to End Youth Homelessness.

This year Camp Out raised over $150,000 which is earmarked to support AWHK’s safe and supported housing for youth experiencing homelessness. That total is three times the amount the non-profit set as their fundraising goal for the 2020 event.

A Way Home Kamloops’ founder and Executive Director Katherine McParland died just a week prior to the 2020 Camp Out. Despite the tragic loss, the Camp Out Committee decided to go ahead with the event.

“Not only was this our most successful Camp Out year, but it was also our first year without the late and beloved Executive Director Katherine McParland,” Youth Advisors from A Way Home wrote. “Despite Katherine’s sudden passing a week before Camp Out, the team at AWHK knew they had to move forward with the event to honour Katherine’s legacy.”

Question of the Week

Have you already made an appointment to get your winter tires on?

9h ago

The Tattle of Hastings

THE TATTLE OF HASTINGS: Hall of Rust Valley Restorers unveils dream car, talks of build for father, sings of Kamloops roots

14h ago

BC Votes

STREAMING: Kamloops All-Candidates Forums

Sep 30, 2024

There were also questions about how to move forward with the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presented. Instead of gathering in McDonald Park, participants were encouraged to camp out in their own spaces and fundraised for the event virtually.

The money gathered through Camp Out supports Safe Suites, which provides round-the-clock supportive housing to six youth in Kamloops. It will also fund ongoing programs for youth throughout the community and will help fund some of the other projects AWHK is working on for the future.

Programs Manager Kira Cheeseborough worked with McParland at A Way Home Kamloops since the organization’s inception. She says she’s grateful for the generosity the community showed during a difficult time.

“Though Katherine’s passing left a gaping hole in our community, we supported one another by filling this hole with our love and appreciation for Katherine,” Cheeseborough writes. “Thank you to everyone who supported her life’s work and our continued mission to ending and preventing youth homelessness. Katherine’s legacy is one of an angel. A legacy that will continue to create change for lifetimes to come.”

Plans are already in the works for the 2021 version of the Camp Out, according to Camp Out Committee Member Patti Phillips.

“We are hoping we will be able get together in person for our 2021 Camp Out and offer a virtual option as well. Your continued support with AWHK will allow us to get more youth into homes and get the help they need.”

The Youth Advisors at A Way Home Kamloops say events like the Camp Out help honour and raise awareness for youth who have lost their lives while experiencing homelessness. They hope to use the event as a call to action.

“We will continue to stand rooted in action in honour of Katherine’s legacy. Please stand with us.”