As you may know, KCR has been celebrating its 40th anniversary year, which culminated in a Celebrating Community fundraising on our officially turning 41 on October 25, 2024. This was also the day that Mayor Tom Dyas and the City of 琉璃神社 officially proclaimed October 25, 2024 as KCR Community Resources Day citing these specific facts among others:
KCR Community Resources has served as a cornerstone of support and empowerment in the Central Okanagan community for over 40 years, providing essential services that foster diversity, collaboration, and resourcefulness, and are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, families, and the community at large; and
KCR Community Resources has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for countless residents by offering programs and services that address critical issues such as family support, sustainable employment, volunteerism, cultural integration, non-profit capacity building and community engagement.
As a team we are so honored by this Proclamation and by the support the community has shown our organization and participants.
It was amazing to be surrounded by community funders, partners, collaborators, participants and overall believers in KCR鈥檚 Mission and Vision to celebrate and to raise funds for ongoing and emerging programs. We are thrilled with the tremendous success of the event which raised $40,000. All of these funds go directly to programs and participant supports. Due to the overwhelming response of generous suppliers, our milestone celebration was possible with an additional $48,000 of in-kind supports. We couldn鈥檛 have done it without them and are so grateful to all who attended, volunteered, donated and shared in the celebration.
The sold-out event delivered on so many levels: from the delicious international menu curated by Chef Neil Martens and the 19 Okanagan team, to inspiring performances and a vibrant cultural reception, the evening was unforgettable and featured some of the people who have been a part of creating KCR鈥檚 story over the past 41 years.
The incredible venue of 19 Okanagan鈥檚 summerhouse was magically transformed by CC Roa and her team from Roa Floral & Event Design, celebrating the Okanagan landscape we do our work in. New Horizons Productions and Avalon Event Rentals helped with the logistics and Dirty Laundry Vineyard and Andrew Peller Limited provided wine. Dream Soda Creative captured images and video that reflect the beauty event beautifully. Neighborhood Cleaners, Jiva Organics and Balzor Singh Mortgages covered additional event costs to ensure all funds raised is able to go to programs. Additional funds were raised through the onsite Silent Auction, Golden Ticket and Wine Draws organized by Warm Hearts 琉璃神社 and Doreen Welsh. Peter and Christy Boyd from Peter鈥檚 Your Independent Grocer made both personal and business donations to ensure the event was all it could be.
We are grateful to Krystal Withakay (spaxwawlm), Syilx Artist and Knowledge Keeper, for starting us off in a good way with a song and prayer and to Councillor Mohini Singh for being our very special emcee for the evening. Her authentic commitment to community made her the perfect person to ensure a delightful evening for all. Amazing performances by Dolyna Ukrainian Cultural Society, Yamabiko Taiko, Gold Mynd, Saffron Dance Collective and Latino Folklore raised everyone鈥檚 spirits.
The definite highlights were the personal full circle moments shared by participants of KCR. Heartfelt thanks to Mohamad and Sara, Intissar, Rachel and Janelle. Your generosity in sharing your stories brought tears to our eyes, warmed our hearts and reminded us all why we were there, and why we are committing to continue to build community individuals and families are supported in leading healthy, productive and fulfilling lives.
Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources.
