An Okanagan literacy group has kicked off a fundraising campaign aimed at helping low-income individuals in the community.

Launch Okanagan introduced the Launch a Life campaign, a financial education program that will teach participants how to effectively manage personal finances while providing them with the chance to save money for a goal.

The group is now looking for 100 donors to help them launch a life within the community.

鈥淚 helped to start the Matched Savings Program over 10 years ago to not only equip lower-income individuals in our community with vital financial management skills, but also give them opportunities to reach their personal goals through incentivized savings,鈥� Launch Okanagan co-founder Michael Wendland said.

During the program, participants receive monthly financial training sessions over 12 months, where they save $25 to $50 a month to be able to buy an approved asset. When participants graduate from the program, Launch Okanagan matches their savings: for every dollar a participant saves, Launch will contribute $3 for a maximum of $1,800 towards continuing education, tools for a trade or even RESPs.

Wendland said demand for the program has increased recently.

鈥淧rogram demand has increased substantially over the last year, so we need individual and corporate sponsors more than ever to keep launching lives and impacting the vulnerable in our community,鈥� he said.

Launch Okanagan executive director Jennifer Robins said she鈥檚 seen the positive impact of the program and is hoping people feel encouraged to join in and help the vulnerable in the community.

鈥淥ur goal is 100 new sponsors supporting our Matched Savings Program. We know this is a big goal, but we also know this is a generous community,鈥� she said.

鈥淲e all win when everyone has an opportunity to be successful.鈥�

More information on Launch a Life is available .

READ MORE: 琉璃神社 animal rights activists arrested before protest could begin

twila.amato@blackpress.ca
Like us on and follow us on .