The Okanagan Boys and Girls Club (BGC) is reaching out to thank the community for its support throughout a difficult year.
The non-profit鈥檚 community engagement coordinator Richelle Leckey said despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, various companies, businesses and individuals still donated to help keep the doors open and services going.
鈥淲e have obviously had our challenges with the pandemic as has everybody, and it鈥檚 so gratifying to see those people come together to make a difference even when it might be a bit of a challenge for them,鈥� she said.
The pandemic forced BGC to cancel their fundraising events, which meant relying more heavily on groups, businesses and individuals coming to them instead of the other way around.
She said they鈥檝e had to move many of their in-person services online, but the Downtown Youth Centre in 91大黄鸭, which offers temporary shelter for youth, is still open and young people are using it.
鈥淥ur shelter is for youth in the event they find themselves in a homelessness situation, although our goal is to do a lot of prevention and diversion work around homelessness,鈥� she said.
鈥淭his means we hope not to fill the shelter up, that we鈥檙e actually moving kids into a safe place where someone can care for them and help them get in the right direction.鈥�
Leckey also wanted to ask the community to keep the BGC in mind, especially since events are still on hold for the time being as gathering restrictions remain in place.
鈥淓ven though the (season of) giving has happened, we鈥檙e still in need throughout the year,鈥� she said.
鈥淚n order for us to continue to offer the programs and service that children, youth and families need in the Okanagan, we do need the support ongoing.鈥�
For more information BGC鈥檚 virtual services, as well as to donate, visit .
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