Kelowna, B.C.’s Gospel Mission is hoping that people put their feet to the pavement this week and help the community’s homeless population.
The 12th annual Strides Kelowna event will be held Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m. and ending at 5 p.m.
The event will be held at The Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis St., and will include a two-kilometre walk, a five-kilometre walk or run, and a 10-kilometre run.
This year’s goal, with the help of 65 volunteers, is to raise $70,000 to support people experiencing homelessness in the Okanagan Valley. Kelowna’s Gospel Mission’s services cover a continuum of care; they are more than a bed and a sandwich. KGM provides long-term transitional housing and runs a not-for-profit dental clinic, social enterprises and so much more to aid in providing safety, belonging and hope for people experiencing acute need in the community.
“The overflow of thanks goes to the support from local entrepreneurs for our raffle draw, Strides participants, and our sponsors,” Carmen Rempel, executive director of the Gospel Mission, said.
“This community shows its heart at events like this. It’s encouraging for our team to see the community support.”
At the event, registered attendees will receive a long-sleeve Strides Kelowna running shirt and complimentary chilli from the newly branded food truck, KGM Community Eats at the end of the walk/run.