Central Okanagan Foundation

06/08/2026

🧡 National Indigenous History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the cultures, traditions, achievements, and enduring contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

At the Central Okanagan Foundation, we are grateful for the wisdom, leadership, and resilience of Indigenous communities and recognize the importance of fostering relationships built on respect, learning, and reconciliation.

Throughout June, we encourage our community to explore Indigenous histories, support Indigenous led initiatives, and take time to reflect on the role we each play in advancing understanding and meaningful action.

Together, we can continue building stronger, more inclusive communities for future generations.

06/05/2026

🌈 June is Pride Month!

At the Central Okanagan Foundation, we celebrate the diversity that strengthens our community and recognize the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.

We are grateful for the many local organizations, volunteers, advocates, and community leaders who work year round to foster inclusion, connection, and belonging across the Central Okanagan.

This Pride Month, we celebrate love, authenticity, and the power of community.

06/02/2026

🚲 GoByBike Week started yesterday, and it's wonderful to see so many people choosing active transportation across our community.

At the Central Okanagan Foundation, we believe programs like this help create healthier, more vibrant communities by encouraging people to get outdoors, stay active, and connect with the places where they live, work, and play.

As more children bike to school and more adults bike to work this week, we encourage everyone to slow down, stay alert, and share the road safely.

We’re also grateful for the many community organizations and partners who help make initiatives like this possible.

Learn more: https://gobybikebc.ca/kelowna/

05/29/2026

💙 Today is a bittersweet day at the Central Okanagan Foundation as we say farewell to three incredible members of our team.

Abbie is moving on to an exciting opportunity with the KGH Foundation, Julie is beginning a well earned retirement, and Paulyn is stepping into a new chapter as she focuses on her growing business.

Each has made a meaningful contribution to our organization, our fundholders, our donors, and the community we serve. We are deeply grateful for the dedication, passion, and care they have brought to their roles over the years.

Although we are sad to see them leave, we are excited for what lies ahead. We know Abbie and Paulyn will continue to do amazing things, and we look forward to hearing about Julie's many adventures in retirement.

Thank you, Abbie, Julie, and Paulyn, for everything you have contributed to the Central Okanagan Foundation. We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside you and wish you all the very best.

05/21/2026

🏒 The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota officially begins today in Kelowna!

We are thrilled to see our community showcased on the national stage as teams, fans, volunteers, and visitors from across Canada come together for this exciting championship event.

Events like this not only bring incredible energy to our city, but also highlight the strength, hospitality, and pride that make the Central Okanagan such a special place to live and visit.

Best of luck to all participating teams, and thank you to everyone helping bring this event to life.

Learn more here: https://www.tourismkelowna.com/events/upcoming-major-events/memorial-cup-2026/

05/19/2026

We are pleased to welcome Steve Van de Vosse to the Board of Directors at the Central Okanagan Foundation.

Steve is a financial advisor and co-owner of a financial planning firm serving communities throughout the Okanagan. He is deeply committed to supporting families and strengthening communities through both his professional and volunteer work.

Originally from Smithers, BC, Steve brings a strong appreciation for community, connection, and creating meaningful impact. We are grateful to welcome his experience and leadership to our Board.

Learn more about our Board of Directors here: https://www.centralokanaganfoundation.org/board-of-directors/

05/15/2026

VICTORIA DAY HOLIDAY

📣 Office Closure Notice

The Central Okanagan Foundation office will be closed on Monday, May 18th for the long weekend.

We will reopen on Tuesday, May 19th.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable long weekend spent with family, friends, and loved ones.

05/15/2026

Sharing on behalf of Do Gooders 💙

As part of the 25th anniversary of the Western Communities Foundation, we’re proud to launch a $100,000 Emergency Support Fund to help Canadian charities respond when unexpected challenges hit.
Through our National Walk for Safe Places, we’ve now taken more than 100 million steps together toward building safer, stronger communities across Canada.
We are now extending that commitment to support eligible organizations facing immediate need.

🚨Know a charity in need? They may be eligible for emergency funding, up to $10,000.

Here’s how you can help:
1. Comment below with the name of a charity in need
2. We’ll send you a private application link
3. The charity applies directly for funding

💡 Tag your charity or share their story so others can see where help is needed most.

Comment by May 31 and recipients announced on June 15.

Every step counts. And you can help to keep vital services running.

Learn more: https://westernfinancialgroup.ca/Emergency-Fund

*Eligibility and application required. Funding is limited.

05/11/2026

We are pleased to share the return of the 2nd Annual Tee Up to Drive Out Hunger Golf Tournament, hosted by the Lake Country Food Bank.

Lake Country Food Bank continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership in addressing food insecurity in our community through collaboration, innovation, and strong partnerships.

This year’s event is co-presented alongside their valued partner, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, helping to strengthen the Helping Through Sharing Network, with more than 70 partners working together to ensure good food is redirected to people, not landfills.

We are honoured to work alongside organizations like Lake Country Food Bank and deeply appreciate the important role they play in supporting individuals and families across our region.

Register here: www.lakecountryfoodbank.org/events

05/08/2026

Monday night’s 51st Civic & Community Awards was a beautiful celebration of community, service, and giving back 💫

We were honoured to present the Volunteer Organization of the Year Award to the amazing Central Okanagan Bursary and Scholarship Society (COBSS). Congratulations on this incredible and well deserved honour!

We also want to recognize the outstanding work of the fellow nominees, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue and Friends of South Slopes. All three organizations make an extraordinary difference in the lives of people throughout our region, and the decision was incredibly difficult.

At the Central Okanagan Foundation, we are grateful to work alongside these organizations and witness firsthand the impact they create every day. Their passion for community inspires us, and we are thankful for the close relationships we share.

A huge thank you as well to every nominee, volunteer, nonprofit, and charity working tirelessly to strengthen the Central Okanagan. Your work matters, and our communities are better because of you 💛