The weather held, and there were even some sunny breaks - but the best part of the Well Done BBQ was the company...and maybe the food.
There were about 130 people from many of the great service agencies in Kelowna, who gathered to say thanks - to each other. We felt it was important to say thanks and it seems we weren't the only ones.
The team effort between many social and non-profit groups in Kelowna is helping meet the needs of those less fortunate and sparking interest form outside the Okanagan. Those groups include PICC – Partners in Community Collaboration, and PHD – Partners for a Healthy Downtown.
Adam Wylie, Coordinator of Outreach Urban Health says, “The PICC model of community collaboration has been highlighted across Canada. Most recently this included the Focus on Innovation in Health conference in Vancouver last year. Other communities, both provincially and across Canada have expressed great interest in beginning collaborative partnerships to increase their capacity to support marginalized populations. Cities include Surrey, Prince George and Regina among others.”
“Kelowna is fortunate to have a wide range of community service providers who offer a variety of vital programs and services as well as housing opportunities to those who are vulnerable and at-risk,” explains NOW CANADA Executive Director, Liz Talbott. “By working together we are able to pool our resources and our expertise to ensure our clientele are offered the best possible opportunity to embark on a healthier and safer lifestyle.”
Kelowna is a model city and a leader in dealing with social issues. Homelessness Action Week was started in 2004 by the social agencies in Kelowna working together to bring awareness relating to homelessness and poverty to the members of the community. It has now spread to over 20 communities across the province.