2024 – November

Three years ago, Frankie was living on the streets of Leduc, struggling with trauma and addiction. After finding out that her sick father wanted to see her before he passed, her journey took a harrowing turn. She got sober and tried to make the trip to see her father, relying on hitching a ride with an old friend who was a truck driver. Instead, she was held captive by the truck driver for two months before managing to escape.

Once free, Frankie faced the challenges of homelessness again, but fate intervened when another truck driver offered her help. This time, she connected with some community resources. After several months, she moved to Women’s Community in April 2023, seeking a faith-based environment to deepen her connection with God. 

“The day that I had my interview with Nancy, the Director of Women’s Community, she took me upstairs to pick my bedroom… That was the best day ever. And then getting to know everybody and feeling part of the community and having the feeling of safety and support is amazing.”

Today, Frankie is thriving. “My life has changed so much,” she says. “It’s been a 360. I have a sponsor that I meet with once a week. I have friends here now, too.” 

With a newfound love for life, faith and community, she’s preparing for her next step: baptism. Frankie plans to work for a year before pursuing schooling; she wants to use her lived experience to help others who are staying at shelters.

Frankie’s courageous journey to recovery is one example of the kind of life story you play a part in, when you give to Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. Thank you for everything you do to uplift our neighbours, turning homelessness into wholeness.

Our annual Charity Golf Classic was a tremendous success, raising over $80,000 for those in need! We’re deeply grateful to everyone who contributed. With over 120 golfers, your support was the key to success.

We want to offer our sincere thanks to Jason Wills from Venture Commercial for donating his 50/50 winnings back to us, and to Brad Karp from K96.3 for being a fantastic emcee. A big shoutout to Sunset Ranch for their excellent organization, and a special mention to all our amazing volunteers and sponsors.

Thank you to all our leading sponsors:

• Gold Sponsor: Source Office Furniture

• Silver Sponsor: Gorman Bros. Lumber

• Bronze Sponsors: Troika Development, Corwest Builders, Venture Commercial, and Juxta Interior Design

A special thank you to all the other sponsors who contributed to making this event a success. Whether you supported the silent auction, provided snacks and dinner, sponsored activities, or participated as a golfer, your involvement made a tremendous impact. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Recently, the District 7 team from the Stober Foundation spent a day at our shelter, preparing and serving meals. They brought hope, dignity and a comforting reminder that our residents are seen, valued and loved by our community. We’re so grateful for their kindness, which created meaningful moments of connection, followed by a generous $25,000 in donations.

The event was Hawaiian-themed and included decorating and fun activities, culminating in a delightful bubbles and chalk session. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on our residents’ faces, reminding them that people in our community care. Thank you to Landmark District, the Stober Foundation and our amazing kitchen team, for making this day truly special!

We’re thrilled to announce that our Executive Director, Carmen Rempel, received the King Charles Coronation Medal on August 28, 2024. Nominated by MLA Renee Merrifield, she was recognized for her work advocating for vulnerable youth and adults, and addressing homelessness in our community. Carmen accepted this honor alongside leaders like John Horgan, Christy Clarke and Dr. Bonnie Henry. We’re proud of her dedication to Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. Thank you, Carmen, for your inspiring service!

Recently, the amazing team at City Centre Veterinary Clinic brought care, love, and dignity to around 20 pets from our unhoused community at the Bay Avenue Shelter. With compassionate hands, they groomed and pampered beloved companions while offering essential care packages. 

Special thanks to Katrina Handley, Virbac Canada, and Aventix for their support as well as Dr. David Seefeldt and Dr. Kim Crisanti. Events like this not only provide vital care but also help reduce the stigma around homelessness and pets, reminding us that everyone deserves kindness and compassion.

From almost the moment I began my role as the Director for Spiritual Care here at the Mission, my thoughts have been held captive by a portion of a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King. The speech was given at Riverside Church and spoke out against the war in Vietnam, though in the words that follow, you might be forgiven in thinking he was railing against fleeting acts of charity that soothe our own souls over and against the suffering of those enslaved by the triplets of homelessness, poor mental health, and substance use:

“On the one hand we are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside, but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes to see than an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.”

At the Gospel Mission, we hope to be more than a bed and a sandwich. We recognize that there is an edifice that needs restructuring. As we prepare for the fall and another dangerous winter for those on our streets, we invite you to join us in that work, and in putting your trust in the God who brings life and light into even the darkest places.

Sincerely,

Levi Simpson

Director for Spiritual Care, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission