2026 – May

Spring is many things – it is new life, it is warmer weather, it is blooming flowers, it is relief from the grey days of winter, and at least for me, it is also bike season. And biking means podcasts.

We all have our idiosyncrasies, and for me, it is a deep interest in ancient history and ancient writers. What I find so fascinating about ancient writing is that there is nothing new under the sun. A quick Google shows that conversations about client dignity “began” in earnest in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but as I rode my bike this week, listening to the writings of a man named Chrysostom from the 4th century, I heard this: “Need alone is the poor man’s worthiness.”

Chrysostom is speaking to the inherent value and dignity of the human person apart from any standard of virtue or economics or political allegiance. If a person is at a loss for housing, or sustenance, or care, we are obligated to free them from their misfortune. We do not ask a person to prove they are worthy of our help. Need alone is their worthiness. As the world slowly comes to life again this spring, let Chrysostom’s words spur us to action and call us to participate in the new life of others. So long as there are people in this city who are struggling, there is work yet to be done!

Levi Simpson,
Director of Outreach,
Casework and Care

At KGM, outreach begins with a simple but important belief: everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity. The Outreach team spends time in the community building genuine connections with people they come across in their day-to-day work. Through consistency, compassion, and presence, trust grows over time and relationships develop naturally.

What sets KGM apart is the way this support is embedded in a higher standard of care. Outreach is connected to a full team-based approach that includes consistent services such as meal services, alongside coordinated supports that meet both immediate and longer-term needs. This allows individuals to experience continuity and stability, rather than fragmented or short-term interactions.

“If heaven had a restaurant, this is what they would serve.”

Outreach at KGM does not happen in isolation. The team works closely with other KGM programs and community partners to ensure individuals remain connected to the broader network of supports available across the city. Sometimes this means walking alongside someone as they navigate different services, and other times it means connecting them with another organization that is better positioned to meet their needs.

What makes this work meaningful is the commitment to showing up day after day, conversation after conversation. By focusing on relationships and working collaboratively with partners, KGM’s Outreach team helps create pathways forward while ensuring individuals feel respected, valued, and supported along the way.

Katie plays an important role in building relationships with donors and helping connect our community to the work of Kelowna’s Gospel Mission. If you would like to learn more about this work and how you can get involved, Katie would be happy to connect.

You recently joined Kelowna’s Gospel Mission as a Fundraising Specialist. What drew you to this role and the mission?

I really try to lead everything I do in life with my heart, and as a proud Christian, the roots and driving force behind Kelowna’s Gospel Mission align strongly with my faith, so this role genuinely felt like a dream opportunity from the start. With the growing need in our community being so visible, having the opportunity to contribute to an organization making a real impact right here in our neighbourhood felt like a tremendous honour. I’ve always wanted to be part of the effort to keep vital resources like this running, and getting to do that through fundraising feels like a blessing. I’m naturally very social and love connecting with people, so being in a role where I can use those strengths to support something bigger than myself has been incredibly meaningful. Since starting, I’ve experienced shelter, outreach, and kitchen shifts firsthand, and have been truly humbled by the level of care and dedication that goes into serving those in need every single day.

What has stood out to you most about thework happening at KGM?

The level of dedication stood out immediately. There is such genuine care and effort from every staff member and volunteer to support those we serve, and it’s something you feel the moment you step into the Mission. The work culture is also incredibly welcoming! It has a close-knit, family- like environment that makes it easy to feel at home right away.

On a personal level, my own perceptions and preconceived notions of the community we serve were quickly humbled through firsthand experience. Getting to interact with so many individuals, hear their stories, and witness their perseverance and gratitude has been incredibly impactful. It’s a privilege to learn from them, and I feel proud to be an advocate for the people we serve.

What would you want KGM’s donors and supporters to know?

Your impact is direct and tangible. It leaves a real, positive imprint right here in your own backyard. You are supporting your neighbors who need an extra helping hand. Seeing that kind of love and generosity from our community is truly beautiful.

We genuinely could not do what we do without your support, and we will continue to work our absolute hardest to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and help the hurting every day in Kelowna.

Because of your generosity, more than a meal was offered. Dignity was too. Not in grand gestures, but in the quiet things. A warm plate, a safe room, and someone saying “You belong here”.

Residents at both of our shelters shared a special Easter lunch, while our outreach team also served members of our unsheltered community. Our kitchen team prepared the meal with so much care, love, and compassion, and we were deeply grateful for the volunteers who helped with prepping, chopping, and serving.

These are not small things. For someone carrying the weight of isolation and uncertainty, a seat at a table and a conversation over a hot meal can be the first step toward hope.

Easter reminds us that love is not abstract. It shows up, sits with people, and meets real needs. That’s exactly what your support made possible this season.

Thank you for being part of this work.

Thank you, Kelowna. $199,000 raised for shelter, meals, and support in our community.

On April 18th, the KF Centre for Excellence was filled with energy, creativity, and community. Over 60 original works from artists across Canada, live painting by Jordan Perkins, close-up magic by Ryan Michael, live jazz by the Riley Shepherd Collective, incredible music from Swamp Honey and the Kailee Duggan Band, and a lively auction led by Stoney Goldstein and Renee of Benefit Auctions. All of it wrapped together in a truly beautiful evening of community.

Every paddle raised and every ticket purchased helped fund safe shelter, warm meals, and life-changing programs for our neighbours experiencing homelessness in Kelowna.

This is what showing up for each other looks like.

Thank you to our artists, sponsors, volunteers, Chef Jeremy and the kitchen team, and every single guest who filled that room. Your generosity made this possible.

We can’t wait to gather again. See you at Art for Impact 2027.

Photo Credit: Trevor Walker Photography

We’re already looking ahead to one of our favourite summer
events, our Charity Golf Classic, happening on August 28th!

This special day brings our community together for a time of
connection, generosity, and fun, all in support of our neighbours
who need it most.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. We would love to
have you join us.