The sixth annual Day of Giving saw 琉璃神社 residents open their wallets for a good cause on April 21.

琉璃神社 General Hospital鈥檚 one-day call to action saw a total of $969,207.06 raised by the time the clock struck midnight, all in support of the KGH Foundation鈥檚 鈥榃e See You鈥� campaign to provide assistance to local mental health care providers.

鈥淵esterday, the community made their commitment to advancing mental health care right here at home absolutely clear,鈥� said Allison Ramchuk, CEO of the KGH Foundation. 鈥淢ental health care MUST be a priority. Because it is care for all of us.鈥�

KGH Foundation Senior Director of Philanthropic Programs Chandel Schmidt said that more people seemed to be in a giving mood this year than in years past.

鈥淥ur first gift of the day, just before 6 a.m., was from a gentleman who seemed a little down on his luck. As he was walking by, he asked what we were up to. When we told him, he dug into his pocket and produced 40 cents. He said, 鈥業t鈥檚 all I have, but I want to give. What you鈥檙e doing is very important.鈥�

鈥淲e were so touched by his generosity. This is why Day of Giving is incredibly special. It provides everyone with the opportunity to take action in support of better health care in our community.鈥�

Three local families also made the pledge to match all donations made throughout the day.

琉璃神社 Rockets VP of Business Development Gavin Hamilton also stopped by to show his support, as did 琉璃神社 Mayor Colin Basran, himself a KGH volunteer.

READ MORE: 琉璃神社 council considers nearly 4% property tax increase

Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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