2024 – Summer
Carmen’s Letter
Understanding luck impacts our compassion for those experiencing homelessness.
Brute luck is without choice—like a bird pooping on your head or finding $10 on the ground. Option luck involves choices, risks and their outcomes, such as losing $10 in a slot machine.
When someone’s suffering, we want to know why. Was it something that could happen to anyone, or did they invite it somehow? We’re uneasy with brute luck because it makes us vulnerable. Blaming someone’s choices feels easier—it’s their fault.
But reducing human suffering to a matter of choice overlooks the complex circumstances at play. Homelessness is often seen as a result of bad choices or missed opportunities, but it’s more complicated. Economic instability, systemic injustices, mental health struggles and family breakdowns contribute significantly.
At Kelowna’s Gospel Mission, we believe in the inherent dignity and worth for every person, no matter their circumstances. Luck shapes our lives, but it doesn’t define us. Instead of judgment, we offer support and solidarity, recognizing each person’s unique journey towards healing.
This summer, let’s challenge ourselves to reevaluate how we understand luck and choice, choosing empathy, solidarity and compassion over stigma. With your help, we can build a brighter, more compassionate future for all.
Click the link to watch my latest Heart to Heart on luck and how we can create a more compassionate future for all: watch video.
For the love of all,
Matthew’s Story: From Combat Engineer to Our Kitchen
Meet Matthew Campbell, a compassionate 37-year-old who’s known for navigating precarious situations with humility. When he arrived in Kelowna last April, he was unable to find anywhere to stay. Thanks to donors like you, he found refuge at our Bay Shelter and later at our Leon Shelter.
Born on Prince Edward Island, Matthew’s early life was marked by frequent moves and time in foster care. At 18, he joined the US Army, serving as a member of the infantry and later as a combat engineer. His service ended abruptly when his helicopter was shot down, leaving him with lasting injuries and a battle with sepsis.
In the coming years, he faced new health challenges, including a tumour and a severe intestinal condition. He moved to Kelowna for a specialized surgery that was delayed for six years due to COVID-19.
Thanks to supporters like you, Kelowna’s Gospel Mission became a crucial support for him, providing shelter and dental care.
“Most of my back teeth were broken in the army, but some of my teeth were still saveable. I took really good care of the rest of them and kept them clean. I only got one tooth pulled because it was infected.”
Matthew was introduced to a dental hygienist that works at our Dental Clinic who helped connect him with her own dentist and orthodontist in town. Incredibly, that dentist generously offered to do all of his dental work, including fillings, extractions and braces.
The cost of all this dental work would have rung in at an astronomical $20,000! Thankfully, between our clinic and the caring local professionals in town, he got everything he needed to restore his smile done for free.
And it was exactly the inspiration he needed to return to work. However, his experience also moved him to go above and beyond simply being employed again.
“In March, I got a full-time job at Kelowna’s Gospel Mission in the kitchen. I’m also continuing to volunteer with the Outreach team, where my heart is,” Matthew says.
Today, we’re happy to report that he’s also finally received the surgery he waited so long for, and he’s comfortable in a place of his own.
“Everybody needs hope. People are making do as best they can, but if it wasn’t for the outreach team going out, especially during the winter or extreme heat, the consequences could be dire. Your gifts make a significant impact,” he shares.
Thank you for making a difference in Kelowna. Your support transforms lives and offers hope for a brighter future.
Thank You, Kelowna!
Together We’re Striding Towards a Brighter Future
A huge thank you to everyone who supported and joined us for our 13th Annual Strides Kelowna event. This delightful day filled with sunshine and smiles raised over $54,000 thanks to your incredible participation and generous donations!
We appreciate the Route Marshals and volunteers who ensured our event went smoothly. We’d also like to send a special shout-out to all the fundraising teams: your enthusiasm was truly inspiring! Finally, a big ‘thank you’ to all our sponsors—from those who provided T-shirts, food and drinks, to our gold sponsors and media partners—your support was essential.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s event in April. We’re so glad we’re on this journey together and can’t wait to make strides with you again!
Meet Spencer Larsen
As a Resource Development Specialist, Spencer unites contributors in our community to empower vulnerable people to flourish and lead fulfilling lives. And we’re so grateful to work alongside him!
“I embarked on my journey over five years ago as a frontline worker and discovered that those we serve crave not only practical assistance but also the abundant love from those willing to listen and learn from their experiences.
Witnessing clients coming full-circle brings me immense joy. A few weeks ago, I unexpectedly ran into a past unsheltered resident whom I had worked with at our shelter years ago. Seeing him grabbing lunch, I instantly recognized his success in transitioning from our care into the workforce and community.
Despite the challenges in his past, he was at peace and looking ahead. It filled me with gratitude. Amidst all the tragic stories, here and now, he was content. These are the moments I cherish—encounters with people I’ve helped randomly throughout my days, weeks and months. I feel incredibly blessed to advocate for those who rely on us to be their voice, and I eagerly look forward to the future.”—Spencer Larsen
Mark your calendars for exciting things to come!
Play for a Purpose at our Charity Golf Classic
We invite you to join us for the 2024 Charity Golf Classic at Sunset Ranch Golf and Country Club on September 6th. This event promises a day of exceptional golfing and community spirit, all in support of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. Come play for a cause and help make a difference! For more details and to purchase your tickets, visit https://trellis.org/kgmcharitygolfclassic2024 or scan here to learn more:
Introducing the Ultimate Take Out Challenge!
Join us for the Ultimate Take Out Challenge, a culinary competition that supports Bring Supper Back and helps provide meals for Kelowna’s unsheltered community. Sixteen local chefs will battle in a tournament-style event, crafting exceptional takeout meals from ingredients right from Kelowna’s Gospel Mission kitchen.
Takeout meals will be served at the overnight sheltering site 4 (Unsheltered Community). Each chef, aided by one of our kitchen team members, will have 3 hours to cook for 60 meals each—55 of which must be packed up and ready to go. The chefs will then accompany the Outreach Team in handing out dinner. The remaining 5 meals will go to a judging panel, and when they return from the meal service they will find out which chef will be moving on to the next round.
The grand finale will see the remaining top chefs serve gourmet takeout at a gala, with guests voting on the ultimate winner.
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission currently serves 28,600 dinner meals a year, five days a week. This fundraiser will help us extend our meal services to seven days a week, increasing our annual meals by 11,440. Follow us on social media for upcoming dates, registration details and more—we can’t wait to see you there, make a lasting impact, and grow this into an exciting annual affair!