Local Charities
These web pages contain lists of secular charities that some local KASHA members have recommended.
Central Okanagan Community Food Bank
The Central Okanagan Community Food Bank is dedicated to providing much-needed food and support to those living in Kelowna and West Kelowna.
Home page: https://cofoodbank.com/ Donate page: https://cofoodbank.com/donate/
Kelowna Women’s Shelter
Since 1980, Kelowna Women’s Shelter has offered a safe place to stay and essentials such as food, clothing, and toiletries for women who have to flee quickly and don’t have the time to prepare.
Home page: https://kelownawomensshelter.ca/ Donate page: https://kelownawomensshelter.ca/give-help/donate-now/
Kelowna & District SHARE Society
The Kelowna and District SHARE Society is a non-profit, charitable, community-based thrift store. Volunteers are always welcome at the Depot. SHARE provides personal and household necessities to people in need through different programs. Read more….
Home page: http://kelownasharesociety.ca/ Donate Page: http://kelownasharesociety.ca/Donate
Click here to view Kelowna Now’s video of Share’s operation
Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store
Want to shop and support the Kelowna Women’s Shelter at the same time? Visit the Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store! Profits go back into the Shelter and support its many services.
Home page: https://kelownawomensshelter.ca/ Donate page: https://kelownawomensshelter.ca/give-help/donate-now/
Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC):
Dying With Dignity Canada is a national human-rights charity committed to improving the quality of dying, protecting end-of-life rights, and helping Canadians avoid unwanted suffering.
More about independent witnessing here: https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/witness_program
and here: https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/witnesses_to_choice
DWDC home page: https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca Donate page: https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/give_today
Kelowna NOW Canada Society: (New Opportunities for Women)
Since 1998, NOW Canada has provided front-line programs and services for women and youth who have experienced addictions, abuse, sexual exploitation, and mental health challenges.
Home page: http://www.nowcanada.ca/ Contact page: https://www.nowcanada.ca/contact_us/
United Way Central & South Okanagan Similkameen
United Way has evolved from a fundraising organization to a community impact organization, engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action to create positive change for people and communities. In doing so, they ensure that resources are invested where they are most needed and where they will have the greatest impact.
Home page: http://unitedwaycso.com/ Donate page: http://unitedwaycso.com/donate/
Central Okanagan Hospice Association
They offer compassionate care, comfort, support, and learning to those who are dying or grieving within our community.
Home page: http://hospicecoha.org/ Donate page: http://hospicecoha.org/donate-to-coha/
The Foundry
Foundry Kelowna is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that will transform how mental health and substance use services are delivered in Kelowna; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ wellbeing.
Home Page: https://foundrybc.ca/kelowna/ Donate Page: Donate Here
The Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society
The Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society (“E Fry”) is a trusted charity that is dedicated to advancing the safety, legal rights & economic security of women & children.
Home Page: http://empowerific.com/ Volunteer Page: http://empowerific.com/volunteer/
Pathways Abilities Society
The society was organized in 1953 by a group of parents, teachers, doctors, and concerned citizens to ensure the education of children with mental handicaps.
Home Page: http://pathwayskelowna.ca/our-history/ Volunteer Page: http://pathwayskelowna.ca/volunteer-opportunities/
Bikeways
For 19 years, Bikeways has provided Kelowna and the surrounding Okanagan Valley communities with quality and low-cost used or gently-refurbished bicycles. All proceeds from the sale of our gently-used bikes and parts support Pathways Abilities Society, enabling paid employment for individuals with diverse abilities in our community.
Home Page: https://www.bikeways.ca/ Volunteer Page: https://www.bikeways.ca/volunteer-at-bikeways
Cycling Without Age
Cycling Without Age is a movement started in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elderly get back on their bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents.
Home Page: https://cyclingwithoutage.org/about/ Volunteer Page: https://cyclingwithoutage.org/the-pilot/
Advocacy Canada for 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies
Advocacy Canada’s mission is to foster unity and amplify the voices of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies, driving transformative change on vital issues with enduring impact. We create and support ways for the community to feel safe and experience belonging.
Home Page: https://advocacy-canada.lgbt/membership/ Volunteer Page: https://advocacy-canada.lgbt/membership/
They also have a page to empower the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with information to make informed choices about safe places of worship and life celebration events with Okanagan churches and faith-based organizations. https://advocacy-canada.lgbt/okanagan-faith-based-organizations/
